Kiwi wine writer Sam Kim says:
5 Stars & 93 Points: It is beautifully ripe and perfumed on the nose, showing cherry, plum, violet and subtle spice aromas with touches of almond and olive. The palate delivers lovely weight and roundness, offering pristine fruit flavours together with fine texture and polished tannins. Wonderfully poised and refined with a lengthy silky finish. At its best: now to 2024.
And Michael Cooper:
Attractive, sweet-fruited, rich and savoury.
And Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas:
93 Points: Immediately varietal, tense and focused bouquet of Pinot Noir. Dark cherry and a host of light red berry fruits, savoury note and fresh baking spices. Dry, tense and youthful on the palate with a core of fruit and savoury spice power. Firm tannins and acidity plus there’s no mistaking the oak even at 15% new – it’s spice and sweetness alongside the savoury whole bunch layer adds complexity. Nice medium weight and lengthy finish. A wine with lots of energy still needing some cellar time to settle in. Decant for service with best drinking from late 2020 through 2024.
Exquisite, supremely classy Pinot Noir from one of New Zealand’s very top producers. If real, high-quality Pinot Noir is your thing, this is an opportunity not to be missed.