SOME RECOMMENDATIONS

1. ATA RANGI MASTERS CHARDONNAY, 2021, $80 This is the second release of chardonnay from the Masters Vineyard, owned by Ata Rangi’s winemaker Helen Masters and her family. Masters said there was perhaps a perception that Martinborough had a distinct voice as a wine growing village, but what was becoming evident as vines grew older was that there are several different voices true to specific single vineyards around the region. Those distinct voices are expressed with clarity and precision in the series of single vineyard pinot and chardonnay. The Masters Vineyard ripens later and has a higher quantity of clay through the soil. This chardonnay reflects that, with breadth and structure balanced and brought in relief by a wonderfully integrated acidity. Great shape and tension, and yes, delicious!

2. PYRAMID VALLEY, KORIMAKO PINOT NOIR 2020, $85 Formerly the Bellbird Springs vineyard. This was one of the most impressive pinot noirs I tasted last year, and for me is a marker for wines Pyramid Valley is producing away from the fabled home vineyards in Waikari. Savoury and structured while elegant and fine boned. A reflection of a unique site, through new eyes.

3. FELTON ROAD, CORNISH POINT PINOT NOIR, 2021, $86 Felton Road has long been a proponent of site-specific wines. At a time when Central Otago pinot grew into a bombastic style of its own, it was focusing on the subtle differences of various specific sites in the region. The attention to detail approach to biodynamic viticulture allows the unique physical properties of its various vineyards to shine. A lighter touch in the winery in recent years means those unique character traits are ever more clear in the bottle. Cornish Point has an aromatic elegance with notes of dried roses and warm spices, with less immediate muscularity and fruit power than wines from other sites. I enjoy it for its ease and gentle savoury length.

❸

❷

❶