Kiritea 2012 Pinot Noir

Martinborough vineyard Te Hera was planted in 1996 to mostly pinot noir and a little riesling. It is located in Te Muna Road, considered by many, including Craggy Range, to be one of the best locations in Martinborough for growing pinot grapes. A shallow layer of topsoil over alluvial gravels and Martinborough's high winds, low rainfall, 'killer' spring frosts and long dry autumns combine to create naturally low yields. This is music to the ears of any pinot lover.

Kiritea is the 'junior' wine but receives the same loving care as Te Hera's Reserve Pinot - the fruit is de-stemmed using gravity, fermentation is all indigenous yeasts and the wine spends 10-12 months in French oak.

Deep ruby/crimson, beautiful floral lift on the nose with mouth-watering jubey berries. Smooth but essentially juicy in the mouth with ripe dark cherry fruit continuing on, and on. Nice finishing note of char/coffee from the oak. All very subtle though. We've loved previous vintages of Kiritea but this one has a slightly more elegant framework while still packing in that Martinborough flavour.