NGA WAKA PINOT NOIR 2021

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"Ten percent of the grapes were fermented as whole bunches, the balance were de-stemmed only. Maceration was 11-23 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred in tight-grain French oak barriques, 20% of which were new. The total time in barrel was 16 months.

A deep red/purple wine. A rich, succulent and powerful Martinborough Pinot Noir showing dark berry and spice flavours. The bouquet is underpinned by silky tannins and subtle, refined oak from barrel maturation. Unfined and unfiltered."

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"This is gorgeously ripe and richly fragrant, showing dark plum, sweet cherry, toasted hazelnut, smoked game and warm mushroom aromas. The palate delivers terrific weight and plump mouthfeel, wonderfully complemented by velvety texture and beautifully melded tannins. At its best: now to 2031."

4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"The powerful 2021 vintage is youthful and deeply coloured. Full-bodied, it has concentrated, plummy, spicy flavours, good tannin backbone, and the structure to mature well. It needs time; open mid-2025+."

5 Stars & 18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, January 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Moderately deep ruby-red, even colour throughout. The nose is beautifully fragrant, with red and black cherry, plum, floral, thyme, black tea and spice aromas. Medium-bodied, aromas of black cherry and plum entwined with thyme, rich black tea, rose and an amalgam of spice. The fruit is rich and herbaceous, elevated by spice and toasty oak. Silky tannins and integrated acidity flow softly to a concentrated, enticing finish. This Pinot Noir is alluring with rich, concentrated fruit, herb details and a savoury, supple closing. Match with herb-crusted lamb and smoked duck over the next 5+ years."

Reviews for the 2020 vintage below…

5 Stars & Number 2 Cuisine Pinot Noir Tasting, April 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"Medium coloured in the glass with lifted perfumed aromatics, both red and dark cherry fruits abound on the nose and through the juicy palate. An elegant pinot with an underlying concentration, richness and power. Well balanced with lively acid and lovely grainy tannins and fantastic length."

94/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, November 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Attractively aromatic pinot noir with plum, violet, cassis, anise and spice flavours. Clearly the product of a good vintage with pronounced ripe fruit flavours and impressive concentration. Good value at this price."

Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, November 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Primary, fruity, varietal, gently savoury and enticing bouquet. Signature aromas of dark red berry fruits of cherry and spicy plum, a fine savoury seam layers in complexity and depth, there’s a youthful energy and lifted sweetness of oak with a touch of wood smoke. Delicious on the palate, dry with a fine savoury layer, smoky tones and a core of fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet. An abundance of fine tannins adding a smooth texture with acidity of enhancement and contrast. Well made, still developing, but delicious. Best drinking from late 2022 through."