The Boneline Waimanu North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2021
The Boneline Waimanu North Canterbury Pinot Noir is a beautifully layered expression of Waipara Pinot Noir, combining generous fruit with the savoury complexity that makes North Canterbury reds so appealing. Ripe cherries, red plums and wild raspberries lead the way, joined by bramble, clove, forest floor and delicate floral notes. The palate is concentrated yet wonderfully fresh, with finely textured tannins, integrated oak and a distinctive mineral edge running through the long, savoury finish. There's plenty to enjoy alongside roast duck, venison or earthy mushroom dishes, while its structure promises further rewards with careful cellaring. A compelling Pinot with real depth, elegance and a strong sense of place.
What the winery says:
The Boneline is a family-owned Waipara producer, working with its original North Canterbury vineyard first planted in 1989. The Waimanu Pinot Noir is made from hand-harvested fruit, with individual clones picked separately before blending. The winery describes a combination of ripe red fruits, crushed currants, dark spices and purple florals, supported by fine-grained tannins, refreshing acidity and a distinctive oyster-shell mineral character.
What the experts say:
Cameron Douglas MS, 95/100 Outstanding (2021 Vintage)
“Great colour, great bouquet, attractive and enticing scents of site first then purple cherry flesh and black currant, there’s a silty fine soil quality then scents of barrel spices and wood smoke adding complexity and depth. Dry, intense, textured and varietal on the palate, a wine that reflects its site and winemaking with textures and flavours of plums and cherry flesh, dried herb and a fine flinty leesy complexity. Tannins and acidity are in abundance and this accentuates the dried herb layer - though I expect this will settle as the wine develops in bottle. A lengthy finish, new, well made and ready drink from 2029 through 2039+.”
Stephen Wong MW, 93/100 (2021 Vintage)
"A deceptively long and elegant pinot, the initially soft, berry flavours with sweet herb race across the palate, carried by the vibrant acidity. Finely chalky tannins make an appearance on the back-palate before the delicately sweet flavours of strawberry and cream take up residence with impressive persistence. A hint of savoury, herby complexity develops on the finish, adding to the appeal of this flowingly pretty and poised wine 29 Jan 2025."
Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, 92/100 (2021 Vintage)
"The 2021 Waimanu Pinot Noir is concentrated, silky and structural, with a profusion of red cherry and graphite, cold tea and tapenade. The wine is complex and balanced, with all elements working toward the whole. It is savory but so fresh. This is a lovely wine here, from a lovely vineyard."
