95

Rebecca Gibb

Vinous

The 2020 Pinot Noir Aroha Te Muna Road Vineyard is a serene, mouthcoating style that soothes your palate and could be served to the sound of pan pipes. It conveys a sense of rich, unadulterated fruit and broadens in the mouth before the combination of acidity and drawn-out gravelly tannins pulls the wine together, lending purpose and freshness. Expect strawberry fruit alongside lifted herbal and violet tones (courtesy of a whopping 70% whole bunch – this was a ripe vintage, and winemaker Grounds felt it needed this for moreishness). Wild-fermented in French oak barrels and matured over 14 months before bottling, the oak is well integrated, supporting discreetly rather than standing out. Note that this is the first time Aroha has been made without any Abel clone fruit, because there was rain when it was ripening and Grounds felt it lacked the “excitement” to go in the blend. 01/2022

94

Erin Larkin

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2020 Aroha Pinot Noir leads with roasted cherry, pink peppercorns, Sichuan peppercorns and pomegranate molasses on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is taut and fine, with a silky flow of flavor that trickles through the fine tannic structure. All things are in place. It is both svelte and harmonious, powerful and long, and it's exciting drinking; the 70% whole bunch brings a swathe of exotic spice to the show and sits within the fruit and experience as a whole. This has a long future ahead, make no mistake. 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 09/2023

97

James Suckling

James Suckling

This is a very stylish, plump and fleshy pinot that has a sweetly spicy, floral and fragrant nose with ripe red and dark cherries, as well as sappy, forest leaves and gentle, earthy tones. Complex, young and fresh. The palate has such supple and sappy cherries and blueberries with a fresh, tangy line of acidity and a long, polished finish. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 11/2021