2018 Dry River Martinborough Pinot Noir

Cameron Douglas MS

In stock

Is this NZ’s top Pinot? Huge depth and complexity comes from old vines (20+ years), tender viticulture and extremely low yields. Sheer fruit depth with layers undertones of earthy herbs and spice all cry out for development in bottle, but are appealing young as well. Drinking this you are in the presence of greatness, with concentration and authenticity that might command twice this price one day. Any good cellar or table needs this wine.

$89.99 in mixed 6+ or $99.99 per bottle

Overview

Grape

Pinot Noir

Its Origins

Dry River took its simple but evocative name from an historic sheep station that used to exist a few kilometres away on the dry, wandering river plains between Martinborough and lake Wairarapa. Planted by the visionary Neil and Dawn McCallum in 1979 - a good few years ahead of ‘old hand’ Alan Limmer in Gimblett Gravels - Dry River were not only ahead of the curve but can these days speak meaningfully about the old vine presence and impact on the estate’s production. With an approach and culture that feels quite European, Dry River are interested in sustainability and minimal intervention - especially in the winery - but always with a reasoned eye for what is pragmatic and particular to their terroir. Eschewing the Kiwi obsession with varietal flavour-making and wines to drink now, Dry River focus their impressive resources on the simple but complex task of producing and preserving true physiological ripeness, in this way making wines of extreme quality and balance that are often approachable young but reach their true expression after some years in cellar.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Cameron Douglas MS

"Smoky, savoury, lots of pure red berry fruits aromas, clove and baking spices, roses and silty soil scents; complex. On the palate - flavours of plums and raspberry, macerated cherry and roses. Layers of new oak and baking spices begin to weave through the palate with medium+ chalky textured tannins, medium+ acidity and a youthful core of energy. Well made, classic Dry River, very youthful and quite complex, lengthy detailed finish, a delight to taste. Decant for service or wait till 2022 and through 2026.+ to enjoy at its best." Drink 2022 - 2026

94/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Bright, high-energy and slightly edgy pinot noir with dark cherry, violet, raspberry, fresh herb, anise and spice flavours. A firmly-structured red with a backbone of peppery tannins that are locking in flavour at this early stage but suggest a promising future. 27 MAY 2020." Drink 2020 - 2029

93+/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh

"A warm year in the North Island of NZ. Dried roses, juicy cherry, plenty of spice, toasted almonds and raspberry jubes. It’s medium-bodied, a little sappy and sour-cherried, with dried herb and a smattering of toasty oak, tannin feels slightly gritty and dry, but it steps up a bit on the finish with a freshening pomegranate sweetness and tang. Youthful and still a little choppy in feel as at now, but with potential in the tank to come." Drink 2022 - 2030

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Pinot Noir
Region	Martinborough / Wairarapa
Closure	Cork
Volume	750ml
Alcohol	13.00%
Maturity	2020 - 2030

This Wine Goes Well With

Taste

Delivery & Returns

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.

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