Awards, Ratings & Reviews
94/100 — Cameron Douglas MS · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Jun 2024
“A bouquet of red berries and a whisper of mushroom, earthy dark soil scents and vanilla barrel spices with a smoke highlights. Ripe, firm and dry textures touch the palate first then flavours of dark cherry, old strawberry, and plum, some boysenberry and baking spices. Youthful and taut, ripe and delicious, a wine to enjoy from early 2025 through 2032+.”
About This Wine
Hillside frost-free site planted over limestone and clay. The oldest Pinot Noir block was planted in 1986 and is still on its own roots.
Distinct from the Eclipse vineyard because of vastly different geology with the clays that deliver rich, velvety texture. This is perhaps a more approachable wine than Eclipse, but still with elegance and underlying power.
Producer Notes
Nice fresh, youthful vibrance to the appearance. A typically very highly perfumed Blue Rock Pinot bouquet of high-toned red cherry and fine floral notes. I see some extra silty brown earthy aromas which add a “darker” dimension not generally seen in Blue Rock. The oak is sitting nicely, adding some complexity and support and is not a dominant feature overall.
On tasting there is an abundance of rich and silky textures across the palate carrying with them elegant and ripe flavours. The tannins are ripe, rich and weighty balanced by a fine thread of acidity. A full flavoured yet elegant wine. Lovely energy and tension through the mid palate with great length and purity. This is delicious now but will cellar and drink beautifully for 10 plus years.
Specifications
Vintage: 2021
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Martinborough / New Zealand
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 1 g/L
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity TA: 5.2 g/L
Acidity pH: 3.7
Production Attributes: Unfiltered · Unfined
Maturation: 12 months in French oak puncheons (20% new oak)
Winemaker: Joel Watson
Closure: Screwcap