Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
"Imagine a black forest cake, chock-full of juicy cherries and Black Doris plums; served up with a generous dollop of blueberry compote, laced with nutmeg and cloves. This is a deeply coloured pinot, exuding lush, ripe fruit – highly fragrant with a cedar-like spiciness and hints of hot-smoked nuts. The palate is dense and generous with rich fruit, fine tannins and a delicious spicy finish."
98/100 Michael Cooper, Winestate Magazine (2019 Vintage)
"This generous, vibrant red was grown on hillsides in the Southern Valleys and matured in French oak barriques (30% new). Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling and youthful, with concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, finely integrated oak, savoury notes adding complexity, and supple tannins."
Rated Outstanding & 96/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2019 Vintage)
"The varietal signature of ripe dark cherry, plum, wild raspberry and barrel spices quickly give way to aromas of complexity and intrigue, minerality and flowers. Fantastic texture, core of fruit and flavour on the palate, Dry with firm chalky tannins, plenty of acidity, but overall an energy and vibrato that teases mouthfeel laced with fruit and spice."
93/100 Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com (2019 Vintage)
"‘Lots of strawberry, plum and cherry aromas with hints of flowers and spices. Medium to full body with firm tannins and a long, energetic finish. A little tight now, but will open nicely in two or three years."
93/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2019 Vintage)
"Elegant, fruit-forward pinot noir with violet, floral, black cherry, plum, dark berry, hedgerow and spicy oak supported by juicy acidity and fine, peppery tannins. A stylish wine with cellaring potential."
91/100 NZ Wine Rater (2019 Vintage)
"Deep, dark, brooding nose with strong mocha/chary oak influence dominating at this youthful stage but there's a big blast of dark, plum fruit, and herbal interest to counterbalance. Taut, youthful, really compact at this stage, with a balanced sappy tannin structure, and toasty barrel char flavours. A big statement of a wine for consumers who like their Pinot with plenty of oak influence."
Reviews for the 2018 vintage below…
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2021 (2018 Vintage)
"Gorgeously complex and seductive, the bouquet shows dark berry, toasted spice, warm mushroom and roasted nut aromas, followed by a richly textured palate displaying excellent weight and persistency. It's multi-layered with spicy/savoury nuances, finishing superbly long and soothing. At its best: now to 2028."
5 Stars & 19/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, May 2021 (2018 Vintage)
"Deep, ruby-red with moderate transparency, lighter on the rim. The bouquet is soft with depth, elegantly presented, aromas of Bing cherries, strawberries interweave minty, medicinal herbs, followed by delicate spices and lifted earthy minerals. Medium-full bodied, the palate has density and richness, cherries and strawberries aromas enriched by star anise, cloves and dried herbs. An earthy, rich tea leaves essence added breadth, carry to a long, lingering dry finish. Fine-grained silky tannin have ripeness and grip; lively acidity provides vibrancy and balance. This is a complexing, earthy Pinot Noir with a dense flow of herbs and spices, vibrant red fruit and a silky tannin grip. Match with smoked duck and char siu over the next 5-8 years. Fruit was sourced from Southern Valleys and principally from Yarrum Vineyard, predominantly Dijon clones 115, 77 and 667 with smaller parcels of UCD5 and 10/5. Handpicked, the majority destemmed into open-top fermenters, including a percentage of whole bunch. The fruit was left to soak on skin before indigenous yeast fermentation and daily plunged. Aged in French oak barriques for 16 months, 30% new oak. 13.5% alc."