94 pts Wine Enthusiast Dec 2021

This is a beautiful expression of Central Otago. It’s poised and polished—but not overly so—with waves of red berries, florals and a gentle peppery spice. The palate is oh-so-elegant, fresh, high-toned fruit threaded with fine savory tannins. There’s both an easiness and a complexity here, making this a delicious drink now but also a classy candidate for the cellar until 2029 or so.

93 pts Wine Spectator 12/15/2020

Bursting with fresh pureed raspberry, match green tea and white pepper notes, with fresh loamy earth, dried lavender, toasted cumin and a touch of cocoa powder on the finish. Terrific concentration and density; the tannins have an appealing muscular note, finishing with tremendous complexity. Drink now through 2030. 150 cases made, 100 cases imported.

90 pts Wine Advocate June 2021

The debut vintage for this offering, the 2018 Cru Kawarau Pinot Noir comes from Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley. Wisps of smoky oak accent black cherries and plums in this ultra ripe expression of Gibbston fruit, which often shows some herbal characters. Full-bodied, round and generous, it’s a plush, almost California-esque Pinot for immediate gratification—or at least to drink over the next 4-5 years, not to cellar for the ages. 2021-2024