2011 Aroha

From the 2011 Aroha Pinot Noir a change of fruit was made for the selection for this label with an emphasis on the Abel clone and some Dijon Clone 667. The winemaking was also altered slightly to include more stems from 2011. The differences really do seem to show in this impressive first vintage. Medium ruby colored with a hint of purple, it has a nose of red plums, kirsch and red currant jelly with a waft of tree bark. The palate reveals great concentration and structure with a core of red berry flavors complimented with earthiness and framed by grainy tannins, finishing with great persistence. Readers should note that no 2010 Aroha was made.

Steve Smith MW. 100% Pinot Noir. Yields 46 hl/ha. 40% whole bunch, 60% destemmed, fermented in combination open-top oak cuves and stainless-steel tanks with inoculated yeasts. 10 months in French oak barriques of which 35% new. No fining. Coarse filtration. Bottled March 2012. pH 3.76, TA 5 g/l, RS 0 g/l. A rich charmer from Steve Smith MW. Not for Burgundy purists but chock full of flavour. Should sell well to Americans who like their Pinots chock full of fruit above all else. (JR)

Two parcels from Te Muna Road. 100 cases. Very closed nose. Spiced, slightly cooked fruit on the palate – but totally fresh too. Bitter finish – very compact and brooding. (RH)