Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir
This vintage has produced a Pinot Noir displaying ripe rich aromatics; perfumed black fruits of the forest dominate the aroma and these are underpinned by lovely clove, anise and other brown spice notes. The wine displays lovely elegance and flows with striking precision and clarity. On the palate it kicks off with a supple dark berry entry, moving into a beautifully textured plush mid-palate, after which fine elegant textural tannins frame fruit and acidity on a lengthy finish. Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir will improve for 7-10 years given optimal vintage and cellaring conditions.
Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir
Founded by Steve Planthaber, originally from Adelaide but post school left for the South Island of New Zealand. A move to Marlborough with his partner Kirsty Sutherland cemented his love for all things wine. Hard not to be inspired when meeting the Sutherland’s who were one of the pioneers of viticulture in the region, part of the original success of Cloudy Bay followed by establishing their own estate Dog Point. Steve was keen to find his own path and after 12 years running the production and operations at Cloudy Bay decided to begin his own wine brand, Settlement. Settlement, named after the stunning Amphitheatre single vineyard site in the Omaka Valley, is dedicated entirely to the production of organic, old vine single vineyard expressions of very special sites in Marlborough. Doesn’t get any more Southern Valley than this site, right in the Omaka Valley. High density of clay in this soil, lots of very good Pinot Noir sites in this sub-region. The Settlement Vineyard is the youngest of the 4 sites, planted in 2009 but a beautiful amphitheater, steep hillside vineyard, 4000 vines per hectare so high density plantings. North/North West facing. Hand picked/sorted, 70% destemmed/30% wholebunch. Short pre soak then wild fermented in tank, Pressed to barrel then aged for 18 months in French oak, 35% new. Francois Freres and Mercurey Oak. Complex, youthful, pure and fresh. Aromas and flavours of dark red cherry and fruit spices, there’s mineral rock and stone quality, plum and black currant. Delicious on the poalate, but still very youthful, a taut texture driven my tannins and acidity, but cushioned by a core of fruit that collectively will see this wine age well. Dry and lengthy on the finish with flavours that mirror the bouquet. Best drink from 2024 through 2034. Excellent. - Cameron Douglas MW, 94 Points
Valli Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Gris
Devil's Corner Resolution Pinot Noir
Devil's Corner Resolution Pinot Noir is a full bodied style of Pinot Noir showing blackberry, sour cherry and hints of cedar from the quality French oak. The wine displays a juicy fruit driven middle palate with a crisp savoury texture and fine grained tannins. Given the wines depth and structure it is well worth putting some away in the cellar and looking at it again in 5 to 8 years.
Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir
Approachable, generous and flavoursome with a silken elegance. Berry fruits come to the fore with gentle dried herb notes in the background. Medium bodied, the palate is finely structured with lovely soft lingering tannins which integrate perfectly with the soft supportive acid and plush fruit.
Stonier Pinot Noir
Stonier produces one of the most consistent Pinots from the Mornington Peninsula. Attractive plum and cherry flavours are enhanced by some gamey undertones and smoky oak influence. Perfect with duck.
Escarpment Pinot Noir
Martinborough is considered by many as the home of Pinot Noir - not only in New Zealand but the 'New World' in general. It is hard to argue when wines like this are produced. Pinot Noir superstar, Larry McKenna, hand-crafts a wine that is overflowing with perfumed black, red and green fruit flavours that are all in harmony with the mid-weighted palate. Textured oak and fine-grained tannin give a nod to the fact that this wine will age gracefully for a decade or more. A stunning benchmark.
Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir
A concentrated, full bodied Pinot Noir that exsudes spices, ripe dark cherries and plums then rounds of with a silky and fragrant finish.
Stefano Lubiana Primavera Pinot Noir
Hailing from northern Italy, the Lubiana family have been winemakers for generations. Since 1990 Stefano has continued his family's legacy in the pristine vineyards of Tasmania. The fruit for this wine comes from some of the best vineyards in Derwent River. Stefano's care and meticulous attention to detail, result in a wine of both power and elegance.
Rapaura Springs South Brook Vyd Pinot Noir
Aromas of red fruits, violet and blackcurrants combine with black truffle and spice notes. Fine tannins add texture, complemented by ripe red berry characters and lovely integrated oak. Awards: