AUNTSFIELD HERITAGE PINOT NOIR 2021

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Auntsfield continues the proud heritage of Marlborough’s first vineyard and winery established in 1892. Our Single Block wines display qualities distinctive to grapes grown within a defined area at Auntsfield Estate. Consistent quality and character over many vintages has separated these Single Blocks out as producing our Reserve Wines.

This wine is only made when a selection of traditionally made wine from our steepest hill side exhibits the intensity, complexity, balance and sense of place required to honour the heritage of Auntsfield Estate: Marlborough’s first vineyard and winery.

Savoury and complex aromas of exotic spices, dark berry fruits and floral notes. Hints of cocoa and roasted almonds. The palate is immensely dense and concentrated and shows an elegant complexity. Luscious dark fruit flavours integrating gamey spice. The wine has an intense depth and yet silky fine tannin structure, giving seamless length and many years of aging potential."

5 Stars & Number 1 Cuisine Pinot Noir Tasting 2026 (2021 Vintage) 
"I’ve been fortuate enough to taste many sensational wines, both affordable and premium, but more often than not I’ve been disappointed by samples in the high price bracket. “Pinot privilege…” you must be thinking, and you’re not wrong. But when it comes to great wine, the  mindset should be one of value over price. Knowing that, I say with confidence that this pinot noir is worth its premium price.  Not just for the taste which is exquisite, but also when you regard its heritage.

Auntsfield was one of the first vineyards established in Marlborough in 1892 by Scottish immigrant David Herd, almost a century before Frank Yukich prophesied that, “Wines from here will become world famous.” In the 1970s Yukich’s statement seemed like a bit of stretch, so imagine seeing the potential for grape growing with farmland as far as the eye can see in the late 1800s? Such was the vision of  David Herd, a man well ahead of his time. Today the land sits under the guardianship of the Cowley family who proudly carry on the tradition of winemaking on this most hallowed and historical land.

With this pinot the Cowley family have honored the memory of David Herd. It’s deeply coloured with a whisper of fade and the nose is vibrant and lively. Black cherries and grilled meat with spice and dried herbs commingling on the nose. The palate is rich with more black cherries, plums, violets and aniseed in great concentration. The mouthfeel is bold with plush tannins yet juicy, lifted by the bright acidity driving the wine forward and giving superb length. A fantastic example from an incredible vintage that will continue to develop with grace."

5 Stars & 97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, February 2026 (2021 Vintage)
"Wonderfully composed and styled, the wine shows dark plum, smoked game, porcini, potpourri, and roasted nut aromas on the nose. It's concentrated on the palate, displaying outstanding depth and persistence, enhanced by plush texture and seamlessly woven tannins, finishing impressively long and gratifying. At its best: now to 2036."

95/100 Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com, Wne Advocate, March 2025 (2021 Vintage)
"The 2021 Heritage Pinot Noir has 14% alcohol and is good and robust. This is a gorgeous wine. I like it so much. The inherent balance between fruit, acid and tannin is seamless here and in each vintage that I tasted from Auntsfield today. The wine is super and comes highly recommended. We discussed with great energy the closure debate. There are no right answers, although of course we have opinions. This is sealed under cork, although there is equal quantity sealed under screw cap, depending on the market."