Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Noir 2022

Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Noir is a supple, layered regional blend with dark and red cherry, brambly fruit, violet, spice and a savoury touch of leather. Plum and raspberry flow across the medium-bodied palate, shaped by bright acidity, fine linear tannins and discreet smoky oak. Fruit from the Southern Valleys, Kēkerengū Coast and Awatere Valley brings weight, floral lift and mineral structure, while wild fermentation and French oak maturation add complexity without covering the fruit. Already drinking well but capable of developing further, it is a versatile match for venison, roast duck, tender lamb or earthy mushroom dishes.

What the winery says:

The 100% Pinot Noir was grown by the Johns, Wilson and Lissaman families, with 41% sourced from the Southern Valleys, 30% from the Kēkerengū Coast and 29% from the Awatere Valley. The hand-picked fruit was harvested between 27 March and 12 April 2022, then destemmed, crushed and cold soaked for five days. Wild fermentation took place at warm temperatures in small open-top vats, with traditional hand plunging followed by light pressing. The wine matured for nine months in French oak barriques and was bottled in February 2023. It contains 13% alcohol and less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar.

What the experts say:

James Suckling, 94/100 (2022 Vintage)
“Perfumed aromas of wild blackberries, dark cherries, violets and potpourri.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 & Excellent (2022 Vintage)
“A dry wine on the palate with a silky mouthfeel, fine chalky tannins and vibrant acid line.”