• French oak
• Red cherry
• Dark chocolate
• Soft tannins

"Stunningly elegant and fine, the wine shows red cherry, raspberry, floral, toasted nut and thyme characters, combined with silky-smooth palate that's seamlessly flowing and lingering. Wonderfully proportioned and harmonious with seductive complexity. At its best: now to 2030" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Sep 2021

"Moderately light, supple, sinewy Pinot Noir with gentle cherry, floral, violet and rose petal flavours, together with a subtle seasoning of fresh herbs and spices. Smooth-textured with a dry and slightly peppery tannic finish" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Sep 2021

This expression of Pinot Noir is grown on the southern side of the Awatere River in the Seddon Vineyard. It is recognised for producing distinctive red cherry and raspberry flavours with savoury notes of bay leaf. The palate has soft tannins, a juicy linear acidity and culinary herb notes with hints of smooth dark chocolate from the subtle use of French oak.

Fruit set in the cool spring weather was lower than usual, resulting in the development of open bunches with small flavourful berries. From January onwards, Marlborough experienced a summer of the century, with a spell of long hot dry weather with moderately cool nights providing the perfect environment to ensure physiological and flavour ripeness whilst retaining freshness.

The fruit for this single vineyard wine comes from the 98 Terrace subsection within the Seddon Vineyard. This low lying river terrace sitting on the southern bank of the Awatere River was planted in 1998. Whilst in a cool climate, this vineyard is protected from the cooler southern breezes resulting in a warm microclimate.