Windrush Pinot Noir 2021

Windrush Organic Pinot Noir is a small-production, single-vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir with concentrated dark fruit, savoury detail and a polished, structured feel. Organically grown near Renwick, it combines ripe plum and cherry flavours with earthy spice, silky tannins and a gently toasty finish. The 2021 season produced smaller bunches and excellent concentration, giving the wine plenty of depth while retaining the freshness and definition expected from Marlborough Pinot Noir. It is an appealing match for roast duck, lamb, mushroom dishes or a relaxed dinner, with enough structure to reward further time in the cellar.

What the winery says:

Fresh summer berries, Omega plum and dark cherries are layered with baking spice and a hint of earthy mushroom, supported by silky tannins and a toasty mocha finish. The fruit came from the organically established Andahlane Vineyard on Conders Bend Road, where the soils range from very stony at the northern end to silty at the southern end. Planted in 2012, the vineyard includes Pinot Noir clones 777 and 828. The grapes were hand picked, destemmed and cold soaked for three days before indigenous yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters. The wine was gently pressed to barrel, including 16% new oak, then completed malolactic fermentation and matured undisturbed to develop complexity and tannin structure.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 (2021 Vintage)
"A great bouquet with complexity and varietal signatures, spice and wood smoke, earthy with a dry clay and stony quality."