MAIN DIVIDE PINOT NOIR 2020

Main Divide is a well known North Canterbury label from the Donaldson Family (Pegasus Bay) that continues to offer some of the best value Pinot Noir around.

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"Settled weather over flowering provided a healthy fruit set, which was then thinned back to desired levels. The ensuing summer was dry with very little rain, resulting in perfectly ripened small berries full of intense flavour and concentration. Thankfully, our harvest was able to proceed during the C-19 lockdown, and an unbroken autumn full of warm days meant the fruit was picked at its optimum ripeness.

Upon release it is deep ruby in colour. The nose is a brooding amalgam of red fruit and savoury aromas. Tantalising impressions of raspberry, dark cherry and blood orange uncoil from the glass, shot with hints of earth, game, chocolate, violets and sweet spice. In the mouth it is gorgeously styled, rich and savoury on a silky fine palate. Tightly knit fruit and plush velvety tannins are perfectly balanced by a backbone of invigorating acidity that delivers outstanding structure and a lasting finish. Elegant yet powerful, in a way that Pinotphiles crave."

5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Beautifully ripe and elegantly perfumed with sweet cherry, dark plum, floral, olive and almonds nuances, the wine is juicy on the palate displaying roundness and fleshy texture. Gorgeously proportioned and balanced with delectable fruit flavours. At its best: now to 2025."

93/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, December 20211 (2020 Vintage)
"Attractive pinot noir with an impressive depth of plum, dark cherry, cassis, dark berries, liquorice and a seasoning of mixed spice. A silken-textured, weighty red that delivers a lot for the price."

4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"A consistently rewarding, great-value red from Pegasus Bay. The 2020 vintage was grown at Waipara and matured for 18 months in French oak barrels. Deep ruby, it is fragrant and supple, with very generous cherry, plum and spice flavours, finely balanced oak and excellent harmony. Already delicious, it should be at its best 2023+."

4 ½ Stars Yvonne Lorkin, January 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Made by the folk at Pegasus Bay and named after the mountainous backbone of New Zealand’s South Island, this superbly-priced pinot noir boasts a beautifully integrated red fruits and smoky, savoury notes. 40% of the grapes were fermented as whole bunches which injects some succulently chewy stem tannins into the earthy, tamarillo-tastic textures."

92/100 Cameron Douglas MS, December 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Lifted, fresh, varietal and fruity with aromas of cherries and fresh black currants, there’s no mistaking the core of pinosity with a mineral layer and complexity from spice, oak and fruit. Equally fresh and varietal on the palate with a back bone of acidity and red fruit flavours, moderate tannins and a lively mouthfeel adding length and complexity. Well made with a lengthy dry finish. Best drinking from 2021 through 2026."

5 Stars & 18.5/20 (93) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, December 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Deep, ruby-red, faintly lighter on the rim. The nose is gentle full, growing in presence as it aerated, rich aromas of dark herb, interweave, cherries, raspberries and plums, hibiscus and a hint of smoke and spice mix. Medium-full bodied, there is a good concentration of fruit, shows aromas of dark cherries, raspberries, plums and pantry spice; liquorice, subtle smokiness and earth lifted by bright hibiscus floral. Tightly knitted ripe tannin left a velvety mouthfeel. A balanced acid backbone supports the weight of rich fruit, harmoniously lingering to a lengthy, powerful finish. This plush Pinot Noir has great balance and backbone, showing elegance and structure. Match with lamb koftas and shredded roast duck over the next 5-8 years. Approx 40% whole bunch, cold soaked for 1 week, natural fermentation to 13.5% alc, post-ferment maceration for up to a week, aged in oak barriques for 18 months, 20% new oak."