River Farm, Pinot Noir, 2022, Marlborough (GI)

'One-Liner'
Silky Marlborough Pinot Noir with ripe cherry, plum and gentle spice – bright, supple and quietly savoury.

Tasting Note
Fragrant red cherry, dark raspberry and ripe plum lead into subtle notes of wild thyme, white pepper, dark chocolate and warming spice. Light to medium-bodied, with lively freshness and fine, supple tannins carrying the juicy fruit into a smooth, gently peppery finish.

Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough GI
Sub-Region: Awatere Valley and Wairau Valley
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
90 Points – James Suckling
86 Points – Wine Enthusiast

The Story
River Farm is owned and run by James and Andrew Jones, the fourth generation of their family to farm in Marlborough. Today, around 330 acres are dedicated to vines, with all the fruit grown across the family’s own vineyards in the warmer Wairau Valley and the cooler, windier Awatere Valley. This Pinot Noir brings together fruit from O’Dwyer’s Farm in Wairau and Long Lane in Awatere, combining generous dark fruit with freshness and aromatic lift. Fermentation with naturally occurring yeasts is followed by 11 months in French oak, including 20% new barrels, adding gentle spice and texture without overwhelming Pinot Noir’s delicate character.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Barbecue duck with sticky berry glaze
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Roast aubergine, lentil and tomato bake with herbs