Waikari, North Canterbury
Viticulture
Planted between 2000-2002 at 11,111 vines/ha and farmed biodynamically from inception. An expansive, east-facing slope. Strong, beautifully structured soils; 30% clay, 15% active lime.
Winemaking
Carefully hand sorted, fully destemmed and fermented with yeasts from the vineyard, gently fermented using infusion methods for 21-27 days. Settled in tank before being transferred to French wooden barrels. Elevage of 18 months, then bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting notes
Vibrant garnet with exceptional clarity. Brooding dark fruits, spice, and floral aromas define the nose. The palate is dense and compact, centered on umami-rich raspberries and a savory, resinous complexity. Surrounded by soft, fine tannins, the wine unfolds with a saline, palate-activating structure. A pure, vibrant, and expansive expression of Earth Smoke.
~ 95 POINTS ~
Having made no Earth Smoke in 2021 due to spring frosts and cool flowering ravaging the yield, it's a welcome return in 2022. Translucent, pure and delicately textured, this Pinot Noir shows a fine hand and the confidence to be hands off. The wine is calm; in the mouth, it gives the impression that a hush has descended. It is attractively scented - full of dried herbs, cherry, festive spice, violets and a hint of smoke. There's plentiful concentration without weight. The tannins are pliant, providing the finest coating for your palate. Perhaps not as long as it could be, but I'm really nitpicking here.
- Rebecca Gibb MW
