2019 TWR Pinot Noir
$50.00
All winemakers are a bit obsessed with Pinot Noir because it is the most challenging variety to grow and to make – and very unforgiving of mistakes. For our style of Pinot Noir we prefer the flavour profiles from the southern side of Marlborough – this sub-region is called the Southern valleys or Southern clays. The soil types in this area of Marlborough are much older than the Wairau plains, they also have much lower fertility and a much higher clay component which gives the wines more depth and structure. We love Pinot Noir that is silky, supple and savoury and this sub-region delivers that for us.
This release is a blend from three certified organic vineyards – our TWR home block, and the Clayvin and Wrekin Vineyards in the Brancott Valley. We were very excited to be able to procure some fruit from those sites as we have seen the quality those vineyards have produced in the past. This growing season was one of the warmest on record, and was also very dry. Thankfully the sites we work with have good access to water as needed and good organic matter – so those two factors plus the clay component of those soils meant that the vines were able to have access to stored moisture and avoided the stress that impacted some other sites. 2019 was a stellar vintage in Marlborough for Pinot Noir. This resultant blend of these 3 special sites has great fruit weight and power, with the depth of flavour and complexity. The wine has a great approachable fleshiness but also the line and length for some serious cellaring.
Tasting Notes
This Pinot Noir exhibits gorgeous, fragrant notes of ripe strawberry and omega plum with hints of baking spice, mocha, and some complex savoury undertones. The fleshy, silky tannins combine with vibrant flavours of omega plum and strawberry. The palate has serious weight and flows from fruit purity into more savoury and complex flavours. The wine has great fleshiness and depth and finishes with a lingering persistence of fruit, fine tannin and well integrated oak. Bottled un-fined and with minimal filtration.
Reviews
Cameron Douglas MS – 96 Points Outstanding
Complex and deeply fragrant, varietal and pure with a core of red berries and mineral, site and time. Red currant and black currant, cherry and red apple skin. The oak is layered in with scents of clove and vanilla along with complex toasty qualities. Complex, dry and new, flavours mirror the bouquet, textures from firm polished tannins and back bone of acidity. A lengthy and complex finish, a wine perfect for food and will also cellar well with best drinking from late 2024 through 2032+.
Shanteh Wale, Wine Companion (Sept 2024) 93 Points
The 2019 vintage is a blend from three certified organic vineyards – home block, and the Clayvin and Wrekin vineyards in the Brancott Valley. Matured in oak for 11 months (26% new French). Pomegranate, rhubarb and persimmon. Black cherry, plums and figs. Sandalwood, cumin and tobacco spice. The wine is travelling down its savoury side with a few years of bottle age now. Rust, blood, ironstone and paprika spice. Nicely weighted tannins with cherry pit and Angostura bitters on the finish.
Sam Kim Wine Orbit 96 Points 5 Stars
Complex and enticing, the bouquet shows sweet cherry, game, dried mushroom, thyme and nutmeg aromas, followed by a beautifully flowing palate that’s juicy and fleshy. Gorgeously maturing with elegance and finesse, it has a sensually appealing mouthfeel that lingers on for a great deal. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2031.
Bob Campbell MW – 93 Points
Bright, vibrant Pinot Noir with dark cherry, plum, mixed spice, and a tangy texture. Fresh, high energy wine that is accessible now but promises to age well.