SERESIN RACHEL PINOT NOIR 2023

Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"A mystical blend from the very best clones planted on our biodynamically farmed vineyard, Raupo Creek. Rachel is aptly named after Michael Seresin’s mother. Highly fragrant and aromatic, the nose is a heady perfume of dark cherry and plum, that integrate subtlety with earthy and spicy notes. A high energy wine that is full of finesse and vibrancy yet has structure and power, and maturity that bodes very well for a long life.

Each clone was hand-picked, destemmed and fermented in small batches with wild yeast. The wine was left on skins for 3-4 weeks with gentle plunging during ferment, before being drained, lightly pressed and transferred to French Oak barrels. The wine went through natural malolactic fermentation during 10 months maturation, before it was bottled lightly filtered and unfined."

Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, August 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Bright and new with a core of ruby with purple highlights. The bouquet is fantastic, exacting and ripe, varietal and new. Aromas and flavours of raspberry and cherry, boysenberry then a fine savoury core that reflects site and soil with a mineral stone and clay quality. Firm and dry, savoury and delicious with a core of plum and red berries, moderate impacts from oak and needle point tannins. A wine that will age well and should be enjoyed from 2028 through 2038."

94/100 Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, November 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Complex and layered bouquet with a brooding edge. Earthy, smoky notes of nutmeg and oak shade the details of violets and wild berries. Tannins firm up on the back, adding to the sense of shadow. The compact, concentrated flavours reluctantly reprise on the finish. Very young—give it time to settle into its skin, but it will be impressive in due course."

91/100 Erin Larkin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"The 2023 Rachel Pinot Noir is a little minty on the nose, with a profusion of flowers and peppercorns. In the mouth, the wine is bright—blood oranges spring to mind—and lacy, structured by fine chalky tannins that prompt a little movement and chew. This is elegant and attractive, with persistent length of flavour."

17/20 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, November 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Lightish cherry red. Seductive sweet red fruits and sweet spice. Firmer tannins than in the Leah Pinot but very finely textured. Gently chewy and has the balance and structure to age well."