Pinot Noir, Martinborough, 2022

The 2022 Pinot Noir is light and leads with coffee grounds and cherry skin, graphite, pepper and brine. There is olive tapenade lacing the edges, with sourdough crust and pink peppercorns. In the mouth, the wine is fresh and spicy; the small 5% whole bunch component keeps the palate spacious, with hints of orange rind and star anise. Black tea tannins are through the open-weave finish. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Grown organically, this includes clones 667, 777, 115, 10/5, MV6 and Abel. Interestingly, MV6 is an Australian clone and not often seen here. It has regular fruit set and smaller bunches than Abel but bigger than the Dijon clones and enjoys a warmer season (which may be handy for the future).

DRINKING WINDOW 2023 - 2032

date of review 12/2023