te Pa Marlborough Pinot Noir RESERVE 2020 (750ml) *
Product price
$47.99
Description
Marlborough is best known for zippy Sauvignon Blanc, but its Pinot Noir can carry real structure, and this Reserve bottling from te Pa makes that case. It's a 2020 from the top of New Zealand's South Island, built with a portion of whole-cluster fruit that lends the wine grip rather than the easygoing fruitiness the region sometimes gets pegged with. Sealed under screw cap, farmed sustainably.
Expect a firm, almost chewy frame, with dark mocha and coffee notes from the oak and a slight furriness from the stems. Underneath sits an attractive spectrum of red cherry, cola, dried herbs and vanilla, along with a savory, smoky, grilled-mushroom character. The tannins run assertive against the fresh fruit at this stage, so there's good concentration and long, scented length here with more to give as it settles. Drinkable now for those who like their Pinot with backbone, and a candidate for some time in the cellar.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Marlborough |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Producer | Te Pa Wines |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
Grilled mushrooms, coffee, cherries and dried herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with sleek tannins and a succulent, smoky and savory finish. Sustainable. Delicious now. Screw cap. (James Suckling)
If you thought Marlborough Pinot Noir was fruity and fun with little structure, think again. The 2020 Pinot Noir Reserve Collection Taylor River has a firm, tannic, almost chewy frame with dark, mocha-like oak notes as well as 25% whole clusters bringing extra tannins and a slight furriness. Red cherries, cola and vanilla notes provide an attractive spectrum of aromas in this young wine. However, it's all rather too chunky; tannins overwhelm elegant, fresh, attractive fruit. There's a lot to like here with good concentration and long, scented length hinting at the makings of a very good wine but the winemaking isn't allowing the wine to shine. Perhaps time in bottle will help. (Vinous, April 2023)