Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2024
Located just out of Alexandra and with around 175ha, McArthur Ridge is one of the largest vineyards in Central Otago. Much of the fruit is for other labels, with only the best designated for McArthur Ridge. The appointment of the multi-Trophy winning winemaker, Matt Connell a couple of years ago has also seen a remarkable lift in the quality of the wines.
Alexandra’s extreme seasonal climate fluctuations keep the vines on their toes, turning out finely-tuned pinot gris with great tension and concentration. Expressions of limes, crunchy apples, white peach, lychee, and wildflower aromatics, leading to a flint minerality. Finishes with a deeply rich textured palate, loads of elegance and poise.
Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"From Falls Dam, the reservoir delivering the life’s blood, pure glacial feed waters ensure McArthur Ridge vineyards exceptional vibrancy. Located in the heart of this unforgiving mountainous region Central Otago sits the expansive vineyard of McArthur Ridge. The cool climate and gently sloping Brassknocker soils combine to deliver what some consider to be amongst the finest vineyards in the world for growing Pinot.
Expressions of limes, crunchy apples, white peach, lychee, and wildflower aromatics, leading to a flint minerality. Finishes with a deeply rich textured palate, loads of elegance and poise."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
94/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, Januray 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"Rich, creamy pinot gris which is subtly succulent with good concentration of pear, ripe apple, citrus/lime and honeysuckle flavours. Good weight and a creamy texture. A hint of sweetness, but nicely balanced with fruity acidity."
5 Stars Yvonne Lorkin, February 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Alexandra’s extreme seasonal climate fluctuations keep the vines on their toes, turning out finely-tuned pinot gris with great tension and concentration. Nashi notes merge with fresh apple and yellow, Mirabelle plum plushness, frisky acidity and excellent length of flavour to great a pinot gris with finesse and fab-factor. Clean, crunchy-fresh and a delight to drink."
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"The subtle, satisfying 2021 vintage is a youthful wine, already drinking well. Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling and vibrantly fruity, with pear, lychee and spice flavours, showing excellent delicacy and depth, savoury notes adding complexity, and a dry, lingering finish."
91/100 Cameron Douglas MS, December 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"An attractive bouquet of freh pear and apple, there’s a bright white fleshed peach and white spice quality with a vibrant youthful appeal. Silky textures touch the palate first with a decent line of acidity and just dry mouthfeel leading to flavours of white fleshed stone and tree fruits. There’s a touch of spice adding length to the finish. Best drinking from 2022 through 2025."