2015 Te Wahi Pinot Noir
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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)