2015 Dry River Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

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

This product is delisted and unavailable for sale.

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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