94pts James Suckling
The 2022 Waimaunga Pinot Noir is concentrated and textural, with a complex array of cherries, garden roses, crushed shells and sweet tobacco leaf. There is also graphite, star anise and shaved fennel—a distinctly minty/metallic glean through the finish. The wine is blessed with that ultra-attractive forest floor character, which really complexes and beguiles. I love this. Recommended.
Wine Spectator
A peppery version, with notes of fresh earth, singed tobacco and bay leaf that complement the core of dense cherry preserves and black licorice, plus hints of cola. The tannins are compact but offer an appealing feltlike texture. Drink now. 1,000 cases made, 150 cases imported.
Winemaker Notes
Lovingly referred to as the 'Lockdown Vintage', 2020 offers balance and finesse. A rich nose of ripe plum and warm baking spices work together to draw you in. Vibrant cherry and boysenberry notes are balanced on the palate with a touch of well-integrated dusty tannins to build structure and a weight on the palate. A complex and lingering wine with a mineral finish that will transport you to their windswept terroir.
About the Wine
Named for the Waimaungan Glaciation period that was instrumental in forging this unique terroir, this Marlborough Pinot Noir is characterised by bold spice and dark fruits, a careful balance of terroir and winemaking, resulting in a powerful and supple organic wine that shows off the layers of weathered, windblown clays that nursed its grapes.
