Lake Chalice The Raptor Pinot Noir 2023

Lake Chalice The Raptor Pinot Noir is an elegant, richly textured Pinot Noir from Marlborough's Southern Valleys. Dark raspberry, cherry, blueberry and plum are lifted by rose, crushed thyme and baking spice, with savoury hints of olive leaf and mushroom adding complexity. Fine tannins and lively acidity give the dry palate shape, while seasoned French oak brings a smooth milk-chocolate texture and long toasted finish. There is plenty of fruit and depth, but the wine remains fragrant and composed rather than heavy. Enjoy it now with roast duck, pork belly or mushroom ragù, or cellar it for further savoury development.

What the winery says:

The Pinot Noir was sourced from the Eyrie Vineyard in Marlborough's Southern Valleys and made by Chloe Gabrielsen. Controlled warm fermentation was followed by eight months ageing on light lees in seasoned French oak. The winery describes dark berry and crushed thyme aromas, leading into olive leaf and fresh blueberry across a rich mid-palate with a milk-chocolate-like texture and long toasted finish. The wine contains 12.5% alcohol, 0.5 grams per litre of residual sugar and can be cellared for more than five years.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, 93/100 & 18.5/20 (2023 Vintage)
“This has a gentle, seductive bouquet with aromas of cherry, blueberry, rose, herbs and delicate spices.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 92/100 & Premium (2023 Vintage)
“Bright, fruity, varietal and youthful with a bouquet of dark raspberry and plum, boysenberry and baking spices of clove and vanilla.”