A very atypical Pinot Noir, rich and dark, with dense, ripe tannins and intense, dark fruit flavours - very age-worthy in style. Indeed, the supple tannins and the lack of green pepper character is the only differentiation from Cabernet, and the lack of alcohol is the only differentiation from Grenache. The overall effect is superb, currently benefiting from extended decanting and flavoursome food, but with exceptional potential for the future. (JH 19/03/22)
- Producer
- Dry River
- Origin
- Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand NEW ZEALAND
- Colour
- red
- Wine Style
- dry
- Dominant Grape
- Pinot Noir
- Maturity
- drink or keep
- Bottle Size
- 75cl
- Case Quantity
- 12
- Alcohol
- 13%
- Wine Score
- 94 points, Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com, February 2019 16.5 points, Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com, June 2019
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Media Reviews
Joe Czerwinski
The 2015 Pinot Noir comes from a year that saw reduced crop yields and a dry summer. The result is a concentrated, tannic, age-worthy wine that was aged in 20%-25% new French oak hogsheads. It`s medium to full-bodied and velvety in texture, with black cherry notes that come dangerously close to being chocolaty, but it retains a sense of freshness on the long, rich finish. 94 points
Jancis Robinson
UV light exposure high in New Zealand and can be used to ripen skins. Leaf plucking is carried out. 30–40% whole bunch depending on vintage. This was a tricky vintage because of drought and very low rainfall. High winds just before flowering, almost an induced dormancy and lost 30% of the crop. During veraison there were 120 km/hr winds which resulted in thick skins. Very tricky to decide when to pick. 20% new oak – all 300- to 350-litre barrels. In barrel for a year. pH 3.45, TA 6.2 g/l. Mid crimson – a tad darker than most red burgundies. Briary, herbal nose that’s far from sweet. Bone-dry finish and still pretty tight. Very different from the New Zealand norm!! 16.5+ points
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