93Points

“The dry-farmed, organic 2019 Pinot Noir, from the Martinborough region, is brooding, round and shapely, with mouthwatering acidity. A high level of concentration suggests low yields, while the plentiful color and tannic density point to small berries. A young and intense yet shapely wine with tannins akin to licking a stone. The cinnamon and nutmeg spices of oak barrel maturation integrate with the brooding fruit, which is reminiscent of black cherries, violets and dried herbs. This is a wine whose underlying power and substance can't be ignored. It could be approached now with a hunk of lamb, but I'm more keen to see it in 6–10 years' time.”