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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Blueish crimson. Very pale rim. Savoury nose and really appetising. Juicy and vital. Definitely not classic burgundy (though slightly burgundy 2020!) but very well-balanced, intense, solar fruit. Difficult not to like. Crystallised violets? Still-youthful finish that’s lightly chewy, leathery. Very rich. (JR)
Pure strawberry and redcurrant fruit on the nose with a hint of wood spice, but an equally floral character and tone of green peppercorn. Airy and polished on the palate, the purity of fruit shines through with positively vibrant acidity. Red-fruit-led, the recent vintages at Craggy Range are much less sweet, dense and powerful than in the past. The results so far are promising. (TP)
Warm dry vintage, all made from 19-year-old Dijon clones. 60% whole-bunch fermented. Wow! Gorgeous peppery spice with stemmy notes and ripe red fruit. Succulent and silky in the mouth, very gentle and drinkable. Gorgeous, complete, lengthy and pure. Much more savoury than you might expect from most Marlborough. Earthy savoury character on the finish too. (RH)