Huia Pinot Noir 2020

Huia Pinot Noir is a concentrated, organically grown Marlborough Pinot Noir from the warm, low-yielding 2020 season. Dark cherry, wild berries and plum are layered with violet, dried herbs, warm spice and earthy mineral detail, while silky tannins and bright acidity give the generous fruit shape and energy. Extended maturation in French oak and older foudre brings savoury complexity without overwhelming its vibrant core. This is a structured, expressive style that benefits from decanting and pairs particularly well with roast duck, grilled lamb, mushroom risotto or other rich, earthy dishes.

What the winery says:

The Pinot Noir was sourced from four organic Marlborough vineyards, Quarters, Andahlane, Kennedy's Road and the Huia home block, spanning the Central Wairau, Brancott and Omaka valleys. The fruit was harvested between 13 March and 9 April 2020, fully destemmed and fermented in stainless steel using organic yeast, with a combination of pump overs and punch downs. The wine matured for ten months in French oak, followed by a further 17 months in older oak foudre, and was bottled with minimal sulphur. Deep garnet in colour, it shows alpine strawberry, dark cherry, violet, cinnamon, clove and roasted hazelnut, followed by toasted oak, cherry pie, wild thyme, cacao and five spice through a long, balanced finish.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100, Excellent (2020 Vintage)
"Dark cherry skin and wild forest berries, crumbled greywacke stone, dried herb and wood smoke. Dry, taut and youthful on the palate."

Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (2020 Vintage)
"It's still super fresh on the palate: the tart crunch of acidity and chalk dust tannins feel a bit austere side-by-side."