2015 Te Wahi Pinot Noir
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Formerly Northburn Estate, acquired by Cloudy Bay, to create their Central Otago outpost. Vibrant, pale ruby with some purple tones. Focused, ripe and dense red-cherry fruit, leaf and clove oak. A bit simple right now, though polished. Brisk acidity, chalky, moderate-intensity tannins. Juicy and fruity, with a vanilla-clove sweetness. Straightforward and feels designed for early drinking. (TJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A 50-50 blend of fruit from Northburn and Bannockburn (Cloudy Bay leases a portion of the Calvert Vineyard), the 2015 Te Wahi Pinot Noir is a full-bodied, plummy wine. It shows some pretty florals on the nose, but the palate is chocolaty and rich, offering hints of cola and dark-skinned plums. It's powerful and plush, with a velvety texture and lingering finish, almost verging on Californian (Russian River Valley?) in style.
Half Bannockburn and half Northburn. 15–20% whole bunch, 30% new oak. Light to mid crimson. Sweet-fruited and a little stemmy. The tannins are grainy and a bit dry and hard. (JH)