Our Reserve Pinot Noir is hand harvested from our favourite section of Māori Point Vineyard. We have been carefully observing this special area and tasting the wines made specifically from it since 2013, and we now call this area our "Professors' Block". This one-acre block of vines was planted in 2002 with the Pinot Noir types Abel and 10/5, and it consistently creates our most elegant, layered, and long-lived Pinot Noir.

GROWING SEASON
The 2022 growing season was notable for its gentleness: the absence of extreme heat, strong winds, or excessive precipitation. Despite lower maximum temperatures, heat accumulation was very good due to mild nights and a long Indian summer. Vines were healthy, and after steady growth and development, harvest for this wine was April 17-20. 

TASTING NOTES
Although slightly cooler than 2021, the 2022 growing season was close to optimal in the ripening phase before harvest. The result is a wine that shows precocious complexity and a beautiful soft texture, reminiscent of the 2015 vintage. Beginning with a wave of plush cherry and preserved luisa plum, soon revealing details of cinnamon, vanilla, dark cocoa, anise, thyme, white pepper and roughed up leather, all wrapped in silky, mouth-filling tannins. The supple tannin framework provides a delicate and airy structure, and resonates with the fruit and wood spice notes. Will age well for 11-13 years.