No 1 NZ Pinot Noir for 2019, Jancis Robinson Wine Reviews.
Cameron Douglas MS 96 points.
Bob Campbell MW 95 points.
Reviews:
17.5+ Points (#1 NZ Pinot Noir 2019) "Mid cherry red. A notably savoury aroma though no lack of dark and dark-red fruits lifted by a hint of perfumed sweetness, almost a floral note, highlighted by the whole-bunch component, which adds a herbal but not unripe quality which shows more on the day after opening. On the palate, this is a beauty, firmly structured but with extreme tannic finesse. That savoury character on the palate too, with just a hint of stems adding to the well-balanced freshness. Plenty of Southern Valleys character and power here, in an elegant style, very slightly chewy at this young stage but even so it’s hard to resist drinking it now even though it should age well. Just goes to show that Marlborough doesn’t have to make tutti-frutti Pinot." Julia Harding MW | JancisRobinson.com 27/01/22
96 Points - Outstanding "A powerful and distinctive bouquet with a core complexity built around ripe red berry fruit, a natural savoury dried herb complexity, a gentle sweetness of oak and baking spice scents to match, there’s density and richness alongside power and finesse. A powerful youthful energy as the wine touches the palate transitioning smoothly through berry flavours, the savoury seam and textures from tannins and acidity. Delicious, youthful and full of pinosity. A lovely expression, complex and lengthy. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030+." Cameron Douglas MS, October 2021.
95 Points "Intense, powerful, firmly-structured pinot noir from the Omaka Valley in the Southern Valleys subregion. The 50% whole-bunches in the ferment has contributed to the wine's tannic backbone, which is balanced by sweet fruit. Floral, dark cherry and dried herb flavours. A richly-textured wine with obvious cellaring potential." Bob Campbell MW, November 2021.
Winemaker's Notes:
This is our debut release of the Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir. Located in the Omaka Valley in the Southern Valleys chain, the vineyard is organically farmed and was established in 2009. The north-facing hillside, dubbed the Back Block is planted to high density (3788 plants / ha) while the exposure yields naturally small bunches and berries. Matt explains our Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir is a classic representation of Pinot Noir from the Omaka. It has incredible density and power. For us, Omaka is the most tannic sub-region in Marlborough with this wine just swallowing the 50% whole-bunch proportion. It is an incredibly structured and impressive wine and is built to age.
