Marlborough Pinot Noir

“Smooth and bright, offering a crisp mix of raspberry, cherry and honey crisp apple notes, with pops of clove and thyme. Shows terrific follow-through on the finish.”
90 POINTS
-Wine Spectator, Nov/Dec 2018 issue

“Light ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues, lighter edged.  The nose is moderately deep with fresh and fragrant aromas of red cherry and raspberry fruit along with herbal nuances and a little red floral lift.  This is bright and primary in expression, and unfolds some nutty oak elements with aeration.  Medium-bodied, the palate is bright, vibrant and juicy with fresh fruit flavours of cherries and raspberries entwined with fragrant florals and herbal nuances.  The fruit and mouthfeel is enlivened by refreshing, lacy acidity with very light tannin extraction.  The fruit has good vitality and the wine carries to a juicy, aromatic finish.  This is a bright, lively and juicy Pinot Noir with cherry and raspberry fruit along with floral and herbal hints.” -Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, Apr 2018 “Perfumed, with dried lavender and Earl Grey tea details highlight the charm of this wine.  Cranberry and raspberry notes linger on a silky frame.” -Wine Spectator, www.winespectator.com  2017

“Even, light ruby-red colour with some purple hues, paler edged. This has a fresh, up-front aromatic nose with bright dark-red berry fruit, raspberries and red cherries, along with some dark herbal detail and lifted red florals. Medium-bodied, the palate possesses bright and juicy flavours of dark red cherry and raspberry fruit melded with a layering of dark herbs. The vibrant and up-front fruit is balanced light grainy tannin extraction, with fresh acidity enlivening the fruit and mouthfeel. As the wine flows, the flavours recede and the textures lead to a dry finish with raspberry and dark herb notes. This is a bright, fresh, up-front cherry and raspberry-fruited Pinot Noir with some dark herbal notes, carried by the extraction to a dry finish.”
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, July 2016

“Dusty herb and cedar notes add a firm edge to the wild berry flavors, with herbal accents on the finish.” -Wine Spectator, www.winespectator.com  2017

“This Marlborough pinot noir is made from grapes from several vineyards throughout the wine-making region. The savory red notes of spice, plum, and cherry, and other earthy flavors, and it pairs well with meat and vegetable dishes like steak and mushroom pie.” -Detroit Metro Times, 11 Nov 2015

“Bright, moderately dark ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the edge. This has a soft and gentle nose that grows in breadth showing easy and accessible aromas of dark red cherry and berry fruit melded with earth, dried herb and cedary oak notes. Some savoury florals and toastiness emerge in the glass. Medium-bodied, the palate shows good vinosity and mouthfeel with juicy flavours of dark red berry fruits, dark red and black cherries, dried herbs, earth and cedar. The savoury flavours are mouth-filling and supported by light tannin structure and body, along with balanced, integrated acidity. The wine carries to a dry, light finish. This is an up-front, juicy Pinot Noir with flavours of red berry fruit, herbs and earth, and a good mouthfeel.”
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereveiws.co.nz, Jan 2016

“Moderately deep, light ruby-red colour, paler on edge. This has a softly full bouquet with gentle, clean, raspberry and cherry fruit aromas, along with soft red florals and a little herbal underlay. The volume grows and unfolds an array of red floral notes in the glass. Medium-bodied, light red berry fruit flavours of strawberries and cherries are lifted by soft floral elements. The palate is fresh, clean and easily accessible with modest tannin extraction and gentle linearity. Fine-grained textures emerge and lead to a light, dry and soft finish. This is a light-fruited, gentle red berried Pinot Noir with florals and a dry finish. Serve with salmon, tuna and charcuterie over the next 3 years.”
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, March 2014

“The pale color may shock some, but a great aroma of black pepper/rotundone and a spiced red cherry note mark this wine’s superb and balanced nature.”
-Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences, USA, Volume XVIII, Issue 14, 22nd May 2014

“A friendly and tasty offering, it’s nicely lifted on the nose showing red berry and floral characters with a touch of spicy oak notes, leading to a juicy palate that’s smooth and soft on the finish.”
-Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, www.wineorbit.co.nz, Jan 2015

“Light and fragrant bouquet with fresh cherry fruit and light red berry suggestions; a mild dry stone mineral quality and generous but not overdone oak. On the palate – dry with medium+ acidity and moderate oak tannins, flavours of crushed stone and mineral along with red berry fruits add both flavours and complexity; balanced and well made with a moderate finish.”
4 STARS
-Cameron Douglas MS, TheShout NZ/Hospitality Business magazine, Feb 2015

“Pale to medium ruby coloured, the 2013 Classics Range Pinot Noir offers red cherries, dusty earth, loam and mulberries on the nose. Light to medium bodied with a low level of chewy tannins and racy acid defining the palate, it has medium to long persistence.”
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, eRobertParker.com, #216 (Part 2)

“The 2012 is a top vintage. Ruby-hued, it’s a very good, drink-young style, mouthfilling, with ripe cherry and spice flavours, some oak-aging complexity and gentle tannins.”
3.5 STARS
-Michael Cooper, www.michaelcooper.co.nz

“Pale ruby-purple in color, the 2012 Pinot Noir offers fragrant red cherry and red currant aromas with an underlying scent of forest floor. Medium-bodied with just enough elegant, red berry flavors that are framed in the mouth by soft tannins and vibrant acid, it finishes medium to long.”
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, www.eRobertParker.com, #209, Oct 2013

“Light ruby-red colour with some depth, light purple hues on edge. The bouquet is softly fresh with bright and pure aromas of dark raspberry fruit with a subtle dark herb underlay. Medium-bodied, bright primary fruit flavours of raspberries and dark cherries are subtly interwoven with oak spices. There is good acid liveliness and fine grainy tannin textures that run the line of the palate, and carry through to a light, dry, soft chalky finish along with aromatic and spicy flavours. This is a fresh and youthful Pinot Noir with bright fruit and good, fine textures that will come together over the next 3-4+ years. Serve with firm-fleshed seafood, poultry and pork.”
4 STARS
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, Nov 2013

“White pepper and dried rose petal aromatics announce the crisp raspberry, cherry, loam and plum flavors in this smooth and appealing red, with spicy tobacco notes on the finish. Drink now through 2022.”
88 POINTS
-Wine Spectator Magazine, April 2013

“A light, fresh, clean style with pretty Pinot fruit character and a gentle manner flecked with herbs.”
-The Panel, Hospitality Magazine, June 2013

“Light, supple and appealing Pinot Noir with juicy cherry and spice flavours. Reasonably light and charming wine that’s ready for drinking.”
– Bob Campbell MW, www.bobswinereviews.com, July 2013

“Light ruby-red colour, moderately deep, with pale garnet hues on edge. This has a light nose of strawberry fruit aromas with light, fresh herb elements and subtle stalk and earth notes. Light-bodied, clean, fresh and up-front flavours of strawberries and herbs are enlivened and lifted by fresh, elevated acidity which adds a degree of juiciness. The tannin extraction is modest, allowing the fruit to feature. The wine finishes cleanly with pure fruit notes. This is an uncomplicated and accessible, light-bodied and racy Pinot Noir with pretty flavours to serve with antipasto, charcuterie and creamy pasta dishes.”
-Raymond Chan, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz , Jan 2012

“It’s gently fruited on the nose with red cherry, raspberry and subtle spice notes. The palate is juicy and vibrant with soft fruit intensity, finishing elegantly dry. It’s refreshing and lively. At its best: now to 2014.”
-Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Nov 2012

“Pale ruby colored, the 2010 Pinot Noir has aromas of red cherries and crushed cranberries plus hints of dried herbs and moss covered bark. Medium bodied, it has nice purity but is a little lean in the mid palate with a low level of soft tannins, crisp acid and a medium-length finish. Drinking now, it should keep through 2014.”
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, eRobertParker.com #203, Oct 2012

“A floral style of violets and dried yellow flowers, some hay bale and brambly mix red fruits. The palate’s all strawberry fruit flavours with fine, easy tannin grain and a juicy, gentle finish.”
89 POINTS
-2013 Penguin Wine Guide

“Light and easy, this softly fruited Pinot displays red cherry, plum and subtle spice characters on the nose. The palate is fruity and smooth with fine tannins providing a gently drying finish. An easy-going Pinot with youthful fruit flavours.”
-Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2010

“The 2009 vintage is light, pleasant, with berry and spice flavours, gentle tannins and drink-young appeal.”
-Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2011

“Fruit from Marlborough fermented in open vats to 13.5% alc. and aged 11 months in new and old oak barriques. Pale garnet-red in colour, this has a moderately deep nose of up-front, red berry fruits with a fresh and steely, minerally edge. Medium weighted, this has bright, juicy and vibrant red cherry and berry fruit flavours enlivened by elevated acidity. The tannin structure has a firmness, but the wine has suppleness, and is sufficiently fruit prominent for very good balance. A pretty Pinot Noir to drink with Asian cuisine over the next 3-4 years.”
17/20
4 STARS
-Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, Jan 2011

“Mellow Pinot Noir in a moderately light style with a mix of cherry, plum and savoury characters. Smooth-textured wine.”
-Bob Campbell, www.bobswinereviews.com, July 2011

“Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2009 Pinot Noir has pronounced warm strawberry, sour cherry and black pepper aromas with a whiff of dried herbs. Medium bodied with medium-high acid, a low to medium level of soft tannins and just enough fruit, it has a medium-long finish. Drink it now to 2014.”
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate #191, Oct 2010

“Fermented in French oak, 33% new, and aged in oak for 11 months, the 2009 Pinot Noir has a pale ruby-purple color and aromas of red currants, pomegranate and red cherries over cedar, cloves and dried Provence herbs. Medium bodied, it has a low to medium level of soft tannins, crisp acid and a good amount of red berry flavor, finishing long. Drink it now to 2015+.”
87 POINTS
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, eRobertParker.com #197, Oct 2011

“The 2009 vintage is a light-bodied style, berryish, spicy and slightly leafy, with some complexity and length.”
-Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2012

“This Pinot opens with a red currant bouquet with a hint of oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and easy to drink. The flavor profile is a mild black currant with hints of plum and gentle oak. The finish is dry and pleasant. I found this Pinot to be very food friendly and a great value. I would pair it with cherry amaretto chicken. Enjoy – Ken.”
88 POINTS
-KensWineGuide.com, April, 2012