The Annual Release of Rippon Pinots... Arguably NZ’s True Grand Cru Pinot Noirs – they might be pricey by NZ standards... although 'World Class... they’re a fraction of their Red Burgundy contemporaries.

Read our abbreviated style tasting notes for all 3 of the 2021 Releases. Make your choices and place your order. This is our one off ‘Release Offer’ – stock arrives in our warehouse March 10; we expect our allocations to be presold given growing international demand on top of an increasing base of Kiwi aficionados.

It is lovers of finely structured, elegant, ethereal, age worthy Pinot Noir that collect these 3 stunning Rippon releases. Many customers who enjoy Grand & Premier Cru Red Burgundy are Rippon buyers.

They are not World Class Grand Cru level Pinot Noir by chance. Here are key reasons why they are so exemplary and collectible.

Over 100 years on the land. It’s potential first identified at Bragato lectures 1895
Remained Rippon family owned and operated through the 4th going on 5th generation – singular love, focus and deep knowledge of their land.
Only pioneer (first 5) wineries in CO still existing in its original form.
Oldest vines in the region, on their own roots, unirrigated, selected for the site.
Single, unique, biodynamic farm – no bought in fruit, no nearby vineyards to compromise it’s biodynamic integrity.
Unique in its place, Wanaka, CO.
Small - 14-hectare vineyard... 8-hectares in Pinot Noir.
Highest accolades from wine writers.
Delicious, age worthy wines.

Rippon Mature Vines Pinot Noir 2021 – Release Price: $97.99

Ratings f97 js97 cd95

Incontestably “Grand Cru” NZ Pinot Noir! 97/100 from Top 3 International critic James Suckling for Rippon Mature Vine. 2010 Rippon Mature Vine is the only NZ Pinot Noir Top 3 Global Crtic James Suckling has awarded a perfect 100/100.

It has crunch factor with delicious red fruit flavours of raspberries and cranberries with fine nutty and savoury subtleties. The tannins are divine, coating every millimetre of your cheeks, clinging on for dear life, but in an extra-ordinary, succulent, and salivating manner - superb on every level. A wine with energy, vibrancy, concentration, balance, charm, and poise. Simply Grand Cru!

Rippon 'Emma's Block' Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2021 – Release Price: $186.99

Ratings: f97 js97 cd95

World-Class Grand Cru Single Block NZ Pinot Noir!

Emma's Block is an eastern facing block of mature vines on Rippon, named after the great-great-great grandmother of the current Mills clan.

Beautiful floral notes emerge, with violets, rose and blossom, with cherry, currants and smoke emerging with time. The definition of elegance on the palate, it's a catwalk model in shimmering chiffon. Fine and layered, there is underlying power and a long, satisfying finish that ensures this wine will reveal more and more over the next decade or more. Enjoy between now and 2035+.

Rippon 'Tinkers Field' Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2021 – Release Price: $199.99

Ratings: f96 js96 sw96 cd94

Also, Grand Cru Single Block NZ Pinot Noir!

Rolfe Mills, father of current winemaker Nick, was the first man to plant vines on the hallowed piece of schist known as Rippon in the late 1970s. He was known to his friends as Tink - and this wine is a tribute to his vision.

Deeply aromatic, but still youthful and tight, with the promise of much more with time. Cherries, sweet herbs, spices, and mineral nuances abound. A seriously profound Pinot Noir - the thing that impresses most is the subtle power - layers upon layers of intense fruits and spices, with the underlying schist tannin of Rippon binding the whole thing together. This will repay its ticket price many times over if carefully cellared through to 2037+.