2021 Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir

Brand	Te Kairanga
Region	Martinborough
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2021
Country	New Zealand

With Martinborough’s micro-climate the region produces distinctive and impressive Pinot Noirs. The John Martin is Te Kairanga’s flagship Pinot, only made in the strongest years. With ex-Neudorf winemaker John Kavanagh holding the winemaking reins for the past 8-years, John Martin has become an elite level Martinborough Pinot. Little surprise when you read their winegrowing/winemaking notes, as to why it’s outstanding… “Crafted from our best vineyard parcels, the fruit for John Martin Pinot Noir is derived from nine clones, including the famed Abel clone. It is hand-picked block by block, hand sorted and destemmed, with 6.5% whole bunches bringing intrigue and savoury notes. Fermented with wild yeast and hand plunged, the wine is aged for 10 months in the finest French oak barrels and blended. Unfined and unfiltered, our gentle winemaking ensures this wine captures the inimitable personality of the terrior and Te Kairanga.” I like the judicious 6.5% use of whole bunches to the ferment; some wineries overdo this. When done at this level, it adds beautifully to the wine instead of overtaking the fruit. Unfined and unfiltered… this is no compromise Pinot Noir that will develop into a cerebral aged Pinot experience around 2027-2030. If you wish to enjoy it in its youth, give it a light decant prior to serving.

Red cherry and raspberry with floral notes, dried herbs, liquorice, spice and lingering savoury smokiness.

Red cherry, plum and raspberries embellish the concentrated palate infused with deliciously contrasting savoury and spice flavours, all tightly knitted together in an amazing lengthy structure. Luscious throughout and finishing with freshness. Enjoy between now and 2031. A lovely match with mushroom risotto and game dishes.