McARTHUR RIDGE SOUTHERN TOR PINOT NOIR 2020

Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir – New Zealand International Wine Show 2021
Trophy & 96/100 for Champion NZ Red – International Wine Challenge, London 2022
Trophy for Champion Otago Pinot Noir – International Wine Challenge, London 2022
Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2021
Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge, London 2022

The Champion Pinot Noir made by the Champion Wine Maker of the Show, it’s gotta be good! Well known Central Otago wine maker Matt Connell is now making the wines for Alexandra based McArthur Ridge and there’s a marked step up in quality as this accolade reflects. Pinot Noir is one of the biggest categories at the NZIWS, there’s some serious competition from some very big names but McArthur Ridge Southern Tor 2020 topped them all…

Following its success at the NZIWS earlier this year, this wine has taken out 2 Trophies at the International Wine Challenge judged in London. This label has undergone major changes in recent years and all this work is now being recognized and rewarded. This is great buying for a wine of this level.

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
“Ruby red in colour, this wine has a bouquet of savoury red berry fruit, black cherry and vanilla, add to this, aromas of black forrest berries, cloves and dark violets, finishing with soft stony notes. Dry on the palate with a core of fruit, savoury tannins give it a great texture. The oak influence is obvious with baking spices, brown sugar and smokiness.”

NZIWS Judges Comments (2020 Vintage)
“A new Central Otago star is born. Bright ruby/purple in the glass, the palate is full of black cherries, smoky oak and gamey characters. Already a delicious Pinot Noir but there are years of cellaring ahead. Another top effort from Champion Winemaker Matt Connell.”

96/100 International Wine Challenge, Judges Comment (2020 Vintage)
“A heady, inviting fragrant nose of summer pudding, wild thyme, raspberries and a sprinkling of spice. The palate is supple, juicy, vibrant and soft with cranberry acidity.”

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
“Grown at Alexandra, the powerful 2020 vintage is a delicious Alexandra red. Bright ruby, it is invitingly perfumed, weighty and vibrant, with concentrated cherry, plum, spice and herb flavours, showing good complexity, and supple tannins. A highly fragrant and distinctive wine, it should be at its best 2024+.”

Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, October 2021 (2020 Vintage)
“Excellent bouquet with aromas of savoury smoky red berry fruit, black cherry and vanilla, some black forest berries and clove then dark violets and some soft stony soil notes. Dry on the palate with a core of fruit, a fine savoury and fine to moderate tannins texture. No mistaking the influence of oak with baking spices, brown sugar and smoke. Well made and ready from mid 2022 through 2028+.”

4 Stars Yvonne Lorkin, December 2021 (2020 Vintage)
“This shiny new Southern belle shows fresh black tea and soft savoury notes and layers of wild berry and rhubarb, all combined with hints of saucy smoke, spices, tamarillo, cherry and boasts a vibrant, velvety finish. Central Otago’s sub-regions are carved from ancient glaciers that have left behind all sorts of different soil strata that impart unique characters into their wines, making this a deliciously drinkable pinot with pluck, character and serious sippability.”

*Note this wine is under screwcap, rather than cork as pictured.