2020 A1 Pinot Noir
2020 A1 Pinot Noir
2020 A1 Pinot Noir
2020 A1 Pinot Noir

2020 A1 Pinot Noir

$450.00
( / )
Product Description

There is something about the translucency of fine Pinot noir that makes it look so elegant and comfortable in the glass, inviting not intimidating.  Light passing through a rather large Ruby. This vintage looks, well, very pretty. 

A noticeably earthy and ethereal bouquet reassure us of the source. Complex herbs across graphite and a discreet floral perfume immediately stimulate the senses. There is an awful lot going on here with defined vintage expression once again pleasingly present. Graphite and smoke with wet stones and dark cherry.The supple entry and ultra-fine tannins beg to deceive but this is a powerful and structured wine with fabulous linearity.  Our familiar fresh acidity holds everything in balance and there is great precision and detail to focus on.  The graphite remains and there is a distinctly spicy and flinty end. Svelte but grainy with length and persistence. Very textural.

Nothing seems lacking now, but it should age magnificently, 5 to 10 for certain – if you can keep your hands off it.

Food – Fiordland venison back-strap, medium rare straight from the grill.

There is something about the translucency of fine Pinot noir that makes it look so elegant and comfortable in the glass, inviting not intimidating.  Light passing through a rather large Ruby. This vintage looks, well, very pretty. 

A noticeably earthy and ethereal bouquet reassure us of the source. Complex herbs across graphite and a discreet floral perfume immediately stimulate the senses. There is an awful lot going on here with defined vintage expression once again pleasingly present. Graphite and smoke with wet stones and dark cherry.The supple entry and ultra-fine tannins beg to deceive but this is a powerful and structured wine with fabulous linearity.  Our familiar fresh acidity holds everything in balance and there is great precision and detail to focus on.  The graphite remains and there is a distinctly spicy and flinty end. Svelte but grainy with length and persistence. Very textural.

Nothing seems lacking now, but it should age magnificently, 5 to 10 for certain – if you can keep your hands off it.

Food – Fiordland venison back-strap, medium rare straight from the grill.

Tasting Notes

Clones: 90% F Block Abel, 7% Clone 5, 3% F Block Mix

Treatment: 38% whole bunch, balance whole berry, 26% new French oak

Volume: 3,183 litres – 354 x 12b cases equivalent

Technical: Alcohol 13.6%, TA 5.5g/l

Harvest Dates: 30th April and 1st May 2020

Bottling Date: 18th March 2021

Clones: 90% F Block Abel, 7% Clone 5, 3% F Block Mix

Treatment: 38% whole bunch, balance whole berry, 26% new French oak

Volume: 3,183 litres – 354 x 12b cases equivalent

Technical: Alcohol 13.6%, TA 5.5g/l

Harvest Dates: 30th April and 1st May 2020

Bottling Date: 18th March 2021

What people think

“Gracefully powerful with splendid poise and sophistication, the bouquet shows dark berry, bouquet garni, charcuterie, dried flower and roasted nut aromas, followed by a concentrated palate delivering velvety texture and plump mouthfeel. It’s engaging and enticing with layers of delectable flavours backed by beautifully infused tannins, finishing impressively long and seductive.”

96 Points | 5 StarSam Kim | Wine Orbit| January 2023

“A powerful and structured pinot that has a linear line running through from the ultra-fine tannins. Its medium to full body.”

“Fresh acidity with everything in balance and focus. Spicy and flinty at the end. Impressive now but will age beautifully. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”

95 PointsJames Suckling | JS Wine Ratings | October 2022

“A mix of floral/ red rose/ violet, dark cherry/ plum and savoury/ subtle herb, hedgerow and grapevine stem flavours. Seamless, silken red that is deliciously drinkable now. Drink 2023 – 2029.”

95 Points | Bob Campbell | January 2023