2016 Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vine
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Mature Vine Pinot Noir is looking so mineral and fine today. The tannins have further pulverized into the fruit, veritably bleeding through the pulsing red berry register of flavor. It ebbs and seeps out into the wine, leaving a trail of ferruginous tannin and texture in its wake. They age so slowly, these wines, and this is testament to the graceful evolution they can offer. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under Diam. This 2016 is being re-released by the winery in a small quantity at a time that feels right, but Winemaker Nick Mills feels the trajectory of the wine will continue as it is doing. So, the end of the year will see the release of this wine.
Critic scores
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
This is such profoundly complex pinot with violets, dark cherries, plums, blueberries, graphite, black tea, peppery nuances, licorice and woody spices, all taking a role on the nose. The palate has such density and precision, delivering a powerfully composed and profoundly concentrated core of blueberry and dark-cherry flavor in a layered and refined style. Such impressive depth and character. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
Wanaka subregion. Biodynamic. Pale-mid ruby. Vanilla touch to rhubarb, orange peel and crushed rock, with a smoky edge. Background oak spice only. Crisp, light bodied with cocoa powder, moderately firm tannin texture. Floral, long finish, with a saline tang. (TJ)