Aroha, a term that resonates with romance in the Māori language of New Zealand, encapsulates the essence of love in every sip. This meticulously handcrafted masterpiece is born from the ardor that infuses two distinctive parcels of Pinot Noir, notably featuring the legendary Abel clone. Cultivated on a slope along an elevated terrace at the Te Muna Road vineyard, the grapes thrive in soil enriched by an ancient dried river bed, providing the perfect foundation for the cultivation of exceptional Pinot Noir.
A chilly and moist spring led to diminished yields, setting the stage for a challenging start. However, a balmy summer followed suit, ushering in accelerated ripening conditions and a transformative shift in the vineyard's fortunes.
Deep red-purple colour, quite saturated and impressively intense; a glorious bouquet of powerful dark-cherry fruit, the palate likewise deep and well-structured with abundant powdery, drying tannins leading into a long-lasting finish. Any whole-bunch influence is very discreet. The cherry furit speaks the loudest. This will richly reward cellaring.
ragrant, floral pinot noir with cassis, dark cherry, red rose, cacao nib the dominant flavours right now, with many other more subtle characters in support. I love the enlivening acid and tannic structure which gives the wine an exciting energy. Although it can certainly be appreciated now the wine promises to develop even greater complexity with bottle age.