Wine Reviews & Awards
Here are some of the reviews and scores that our wines have been awarded over the years.
Professors' Block Reserve Pinot Noir
Cameron Douglas MS. 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir. 94/100. "Varietal with a raw energy, layers of mineral soil and fruit then spices from barrel and lees, wine making and a natural fruit spice quality. Flavours of fresh and dried raspberry, plum and plum skin, some blackcurrant flesh. Dry, taut, youthful and complex, a wine that is still settling in and developing its personality and ultimate expression. Plenty of tannins and acidity for texture and mouthfeel. A wine to watch with best drinking likely from 2026 through 2034."
Michael Cooper. 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "Attractively scented and complex, the 2020 vintage (*****) was estate-grown and hand-picked at Tarras, matured in four French oak barrels, and bottled unfiltered. Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with rich, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, and a long, silky, very finely textured finish. A very ageworthy, harmonious red, it's well worth cellaring to 2027+"
Raymond Chan. 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir. 96/100. "Moderately deep crimson, slightly lighter on the rim. This has an elegant, opulent bouquet filled with aromas of black cherry, raspberry coulis, thyme, dried mushroom, black tea and spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of black cherry and raspberry coulis are sharp, entwined with thyme, dried shiitake, black tea, black peppercorn, cinnamon and nutmeg. The flavours are concentrated in breadth and length, complexed by subtle development of savoury characters and harmonious integration. A firm, silky tannin structure frames the above and provides vitality. This 4-year-old Pinot Noir shows elegance and strength and a promising future. Match with roasted lamb and hare over the next 8+ years. Fruit from a selected block of clone Able and 10/5, handpicked, fermented by wild yeasts, with 15% whole bunch, and aged 2 years in French oak barrels, unfined, unfiltered. 19+/20 pts (96 pts)."
Sam Kim. 2020 Reserve Pinot Noir. 97/100. "Combining power and grace with seductive complexity, the wine shows dark plum, sweet cherry, vanilla, star anise, porcini and hazelnut aromas on the nose. The palate exhibits outstanding concentration and weight, wonderfully enhanced by plush texture and seamlessly infused tannins. A sensually satisfying pinot. At its best: now to 2033."
Raymond Chan. 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir. 94/100. "Moderately deep ruby-red with a slightly garnet shade, lighter on edge. This has a deep coy bouquet, slowly releasing aromas of red plum, marinated cherry, raspberry, thyme, hibiscus and spice. Medium-bodied, rich and elegantly presented on the palate with aromas of plum, marinated cherry and raspberry, unfolding hibiscus, thyme, cinnamon and clove. The acidity is striking and lacy, providing focus and length, carrying spice and silky tannins to a lengthy finish. This Pinot Noir is still youthful, shows delicate red fruit and hibiscus aromas with depth reflecting a cooler vintage adorned by silky tannins and oak spice. Match with duck and pork over the next 8+ years. Clone Abel and 10/5 from a one-hectare block planted in 2002, hand-picked, fermented with wild yeasts to 13.9% alc."
Michael Cooper. 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "Drinking well now, the generous, vigorous 2019 vintage (5*) was estate-grown and hand-picked at Tarras, matured for two years in four French oak barrels (50 per cent new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full, bright ruby, it is an invitingly perfumed, mouthfilling, supple red, with concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, complex, savoury and lingering. Showing obvious potential, it should be at its best 2025+."
Cameron Douglas MS. 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir. 94/100. "Reveals aromas of baking spices and plums, there’s a delicate savoury spice then cherry flesh and red currant suggestions. Barrel scents are moderate with an integrating quality along with aromas of clove and some vanilla. On the palate a taut, fresh, youthful and delicious wine that rewards cellaring further. Tannins and acid line have locked in many of the attributes, but will slowly release these over time. Flavours are of a new wine with fresh berries and savoury spice qualities, again a moderate oak impact with the fruit soaking up the impact of barrel. Decant for service if you insist on drinking early, otherwise best drinking from late 2025/2026 through 2035."
Raymond Chan. 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir. 94/100. "Deep, ruby-red with moderate transparency, lighter on the rim. The nose is gently full, and multi-layered aromas unfold; plums and cherries interweave a hint of prune and an amalgam of spice, followed by mushroom and forest floor. Medium-full bodied, sweet fruit aromas of plums, black cherries and stewed strawberries entwined with black pepper, cloves and nutmeg, unveiling mushroom, forest floor savoury details. The wine has power and layers of complexity supported by lively acidity. Supple, mellowed tannins structure coated the palate in silk. A hint of medicinal herbs lingers with spice to a long, sustained finish. This elegant, savoury Pinot Noir shows power and multi-layers on a silky mouthfeel. Match with Perigord truffle risotto and lamb stew over the next 5-8 years. Handpicked from one-acre Professors' Block, clones Abel and 10/5. Indigenous yeasts fermented to 14.3% alc, aged in French oak barrels for 22 months (primarily French oak, up to 50% new oak). Minimal sulfites, unfined and unfiltered. Vegan friendly."
Sam Kim. 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir. 97/100. "Gracefully rich and enticing with dark berry, smoked game, cedar, dried herb and warm mushroom aromas, it is concentrated and richly textured in the mouth delivering fleshy texture and silky tannins, finishing velvety and seamless. The wine offers magnificent depth and expansive mouthfeel, making it gratifyingly appealing. At its best: now to 2032."
Michael Cooper. 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "Enticingly perfumed, the 2017 vintage was estate-grown and hand-harvested at Tarras, matured for two years in four French oak barrels (40 per cent new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright ruby, it is a distinctive wine, drinking beautifully now, with strong, vibrant cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, fresh acidity, and a savoury, seamless finish. Best drinking 2023+."
Raymond Chan. 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. 18+/20. "Deep, dark ruby with some depth, lighter edged. The nose is elegantly full with depth, nuances of cherries, plums melded with little dried cranberries, unfolding thyme and sweet spices. Medium-full bodied, the palate is packed full of cherries, stewed plums and dried cranberries with good intensity, delicate spices, thyme and subtle deep floral echoing on the palate, leaves a lengthy, full finish. The wine is mellowed and integrated; development of the dried and stewed fruit characters and integrated acidity are shown; supple tannin has a soft grip, coating the palate with breadth and intensity. This is a gracefully developed Pinot Noir with intensity and integrated supple palate. Match with hare and duck over the next 5 years."
Cameron Douglas MS. 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir. 94/100. "A really lovely bouquet with pinosity and charm, a fine savoury seam preceded aromas of dark red berries, cherry and plum. The scents of toasty barrel and baking spices combine to add depth and complexity, but also showing the wine is beginning to develop its voice of place and time. Equally generous on the palate with flavours that reflect the nose along with firmish tannins and youthful acid line. There's a nutty baked cashew quality adding complexity and a bit of intrigue. Overall a firm and youthful wine still, great with the perfect cheese, best drinking from early 2023 through 2030."
James Suckling. 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir. 91/100. "A small production of just four barrels with a rich, spicy edge to the ripe red cherries and red plums. The palate has a wealth of flesh and supple fruit with some pepper and graphite to the sweet, tangy flavors. Soft, ripe tannins. Drink now."
Sam Kim. 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. 96/100. "Immensely complex and engaging, the wine shows dark cherry, sweet plum, vanillin oak and smoked game characters on the nose with a hint of earthy mushrooms. The palate displays excellent concentration and plush mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by layers of silky tannins, finishing impressively long and velvety. Graceful, expansive and hugely appealing with delightful savoury nuances. At its best: now to 2026."
Raymond Chan. 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. 19/20. "Deep, medium ruby-red with depth, lighter on the rim. The nose is deep and concentrated. Medium-full bodied, flavours of spiced plums, dark cherries and deep red florals, melded with development of dried thyme, game, cured meat, enlivened by a subtle layer of schist mineral. Fine-grained tannin extraction, reminiscent of Pu-er tea tannins, supple and earthy, along with spices and sweet liquorice carries the wine to a long sustained finish. Complexing flavours, gently nutty, warm chocolate, cedar characters unfolding as the wine aerated. This is an elegantly developed Pinot Noir with complex flavours and interest. Match with lamb and venison over the next 5-6 years."
Michael Cooper. 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "Still youthful, the very elegant 2016 vintage was estate-grown at Tarras, hand-harvested, matured for two years in French oak barrels, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep, bright ruby, it has a fragrant, savoury, spicy bouquet. Mouthfilling, it is concentrated and supple, with deep, ripe, plummy, spicy, slightly nutty flavours, showing good complexity, and a finely structured, harmonious finish. Currently delicious, it should be at its best 2022+."
Winestate Magazine. 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir. 4.5 stars. "Delicious now, this rare, estate-grown red was matured for two years in four French oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ruby hued, it is an elegant, savoury, supple wine, with strong cherry, plum and spice flavours, nutty and complex."
Michael Cooper. 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "This fragrant, silky-textured red was estate-grown at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin. Barrel-selected, it is a very harmonious, ‘complete’ red, already delicious, with deep, ripe plum, cherry and nut flavours, savoury and lingering."
Sam Kim. 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir. 95/100. "A glorious expression; the impressively complex and fragrant bouquet shows spiced cherry, plum, cedar, smoked game, truffle and floral aromas, leading to a powerful palate that is both delicious and elegant at the same time."
Winestate Magazine. 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars.
Raymond Chan. 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir. 5 stars. 18.5/20. "The nose is firm and tightly bound with good depth and density. The fruit aromatics of red berry fruits is a little restrained, but there is spicy and nutty oak, and a ‘textured’ aroma showing substance. Fullish bodied, and intense on palate with ripe cherry-berry fruit, fresh and dried herbs, earth, and spicy, toasty oak, the fruit is rich and succulent, but balanced by the fine-grained extraction and structure."
Robert Parker Wine Advocate. 2013 Pinot Noir Reserve. 91+/100. "Medium garnet colored with a touch of purple, the 2013 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir has a pronounced black cherry and blackberry nose with hints of anise, cinnamon and chocolate. Medium-bodied and well-structured, with a firm backbone and lively acid, it has great length with earthiness coming through on the finish."
Sam Kim. 2013 Pinot Noir Reserve. 96/100. "A compelling rendition of the variety, the wine shows outstanding fruit richness together with layers of stylish savoury complexity. Aromas of dark berry, game, cedar, cocoa and truffle with hints of clove and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is dense and plush, and velvety and sweetly delicious, with waves of ripe fruit flavours and assortment of spice and earthy undertones. At its best: now to 2025."
Raymond Chan. 2013 Pinot Noir Reserve. 18.5/20. "The nose is full of fresh, ripe fruit aromas of dark red berry fruit and black cherries with nuances of dark red plums forming a soft, densely packed core. The aromas are harmonious and integrated, unveiling notes of thyme herbs, black minerals and some oak spice elements. Full-bodied, deep, rich and vibrantly sweet fruit flavours of dark red berryfruit, black cherries and nuances of plum feature on the palate. Subtle layers of dark plums, liquorice, violet florals and oak spices emerge to provide complexing interest. The fruit is supported by fine-grained tannin extraction and structure, with enlivening lacy acidity... This is a full-bodied, ripe, dark-red and black-fruited Pinot Noir with fine structure and plenty of power. Serve with slow-cooked game meat dishes over the next 6-8+ years."
Bob Campbell. 2013 Pinot Noir Reserve. 94/100. "Made from hand-harvested grapes from the best block in the Māori Point vineyard. Medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir with seductive sweet cherry, spice and nutty oak flavours supported by fine, peppery tannins on the finish. Accessible now but with the potential to develop further with bottle age."
PINOT NOIR
Michael Cooper. 2022 Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "The highly attractive 2022 vintage (5*) was estate-grown and hand-harvested at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin, and matured for 10 months in French oak barrels (20 per cent new). Full, bright ruby, it is invitingly perfumed and full-bodied, with strong, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, gently seasoned with nutty oak, and a very harmonious, lingering finish. A refined, youthful red, it should be at its best 2026+."
Cameron Douglas MS. 2022 Pinot Noir. 93/100. "A textured, dry wine touches the palate with an abundance of fine tannins and unfiltered textures delivering mouthfeel then flavours. There’s a seam of dried herb and savoury wild thyme qualities then core fruit flavours of red currant and cherry, some tart raspberry and rhubarb compote then wood spices of vanilla and cinnamon. New, medium-weighted, taut and with a lengthy finish this wine should develop and mature nicely over the next few years. Flavours and textures are persistent with best drinking from 2025 through 2033+."
Michael Cooper. 2021 Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "The impressive 2021 vintage (5*) was estate-grown and hand-picked at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin, matured for 11 months in French oak barrels, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deeply coloured, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with rich cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity, lots of youthful energy, supple tannins and a very harmonious finish. Still a baby, it’s likely to be long-lived and well worth cellaring to 2025+. Fine value."
Raymond Chan. 2021 Pinot Noir. 93/100. "Medium purple with a ruby hint, lighter on the rim. This has a gamey bouquet with penetrating aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, thyme, nutmeg, star anise and game. Medium-full bodied, dark cherry and blackberry aromas entwined with thyme, nutmeg, star anise, earth and gamey hints. The mouthfeel is silky with fine-grained tannins, flows with lively acidity. A touch of roasted coffee essence lingers to a rich, toasty, savoury finish. This rich Pinot Noir is concentrated with dark-toned fruit and herbs, enriched by spice and a fine structure. Match with roasted lamb and beetroot stew over the next 5+ years. Handpicked, wild fermented to 13.9% alc, aged in French oak barrels. Unfiltered. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts)."
Sam Kim. 2020 Pinot Noir. 95/100. "Seductively expressed on the nose showing sweet cherry, smoked game, dried herb, mushroom and roasted nut aromas. The palate is equally satisfying with terrific fruit richness with fine texture and polished tannins. Gracious and stunning, this is destined to evolve into a deeply gratifying pinot. At its best: 2023 to 2033."
Michael Cooper. 2020 Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "The refined 2020 vintage (5*) was estate-grown and hand-harvested at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin, and matured in French oak barrels (20 per cent new). Full, bright ruby, it is fragrant, rich and supple, with vibrant cherry, plum and spice flavours, gently seasoned with oak, fresh acidity and a silky-textured finish. Still youthful, it is a very elegant red, well worth cellaring to mid-2024+"
Cameron Douglas MS. 2019 Pinot Noir. 93/100. "Vibrant, youthful, fruity, varietal, fresh and enticing bouquet. Flavours of fresh and preserved charries, red apple and plum. A delicate fine savoury quality adds comlplexity and personality. Fine tannins, savoury spicy oak and a core of fruit. Balanced and well makde with a sense of place, velvet textured tannins and bright youthful acid line. Best drinking from 2022 through 2029."
Winestate. 2019 Pinot Noir. 4.5 stars. "This seductively smooth and harmonious red was estate-grown at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin. Ruby hued, it is fragrant, with generous, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, and gentle acidity. Already delicious."
Michael Cooper. 2018 Pinot Noir. 4.5 stars. "This single-vineyard wine is grown at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin, matured for nearly a year in oak barrels (French, 20 per cent new in 2018), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2018 vintage (4.5*) is ruby hued, with a fragrant, savoury bouquet. Mouthfilling and supple, it has ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, very good complexity and harmony, and a finely textured finish. Drink now or cellar."
Michael Cooper. 2017 Pinot Noir. 5 stars. "This single-vineyard wine is grown at Tarras, in the Cromwell Basin, matured for nearly a year in oak barrels (mostly French, 22 per cent new in 2017), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2017 vintage (5*) is the finest yet. Deep, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with concentrated, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good complexity, that build to a finely textured, harmonious finish. Delicious now, it should be at its best 2021+. Fine value."
Sam Kim. 2016 Pinot Noir. 94/100. "Gorgeously expressed on the nose showing spiced cherry, dark plum, roasted almond, game and floral characters with a hint of dried herb complexity. The palate is concentrated and expansive, delivering fabulous fruit weight and intensity, elegantly framed by fine, polished tannins. The wine is plush yet elegant, and finishes impressively long and engaging. At its best: now to 2022."
Michael Cooper. 2015 Pinot Noir. 4.5 stars. "This single-vineyard, Cromwell Basin red is a graceful, rather than powerful, style of pinot noir. It’s ruby hued, perfumed and sweet-fruited, with mouthfilling body, generous cherry, plum and spice flavours, good complexity and a seductive, silky texture."
Sam Kim. 2015 Pinot Noir. 95/100. "A wonderfully complex offering; the seductively expressed bouquet shows spiced cherry, olive, truffle and smoked game characters with nuances of vanilla and roasted almond. The palate is concentrated and persistent, while remaining elegant and refined. It is seamless and flowing to a gorgeous silky finish. At its best: now to 2021."
Sam Kim. 2014 Pinot Noir. 94/100. "Wonderfully perfumed and inviting, the bouquet shows dark cherry, roasted almond, mushroom, floral and spice notes, followed by a succulent palate that is beautifully weighted and rounded, and shows silky texture and supple tannins. The wine is flavoursome, generous and velvety to the finish. At its best: now to 2022."
Michael Cooper. 2014 Pinot Noir. 4.5 stars. "This single-vineyard, Cromwell Basin red is sturdy, sweet-fruited and smooth. Ruby hued, it is weighty and savoury, with ripe cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, showing good complexity."
NZ International Wine Show. 2013 Pinot Noir. Gold Medal.
Winestate. 2013 Pinot Noir. 4.5 stars.
Wine Spectator. 2013 Pinot Noir. 90/100.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate. 2012 Pinot Noir. 90/100. "Pale ruby colored, the 2012 Pinot Noir has notes of roses, tea and underbrush with kirsch at the core. Medium-bodied, finely knit and fresh with a nice grainy backbone and good length, it’s delicious for drinking now."
Sam Kim. 2012 Pinot Noir. 95/100. "Silky, seamless and seductive, this gorgeous pinot is filled with dark fruit, smoked meat, roasted almond and earthy mushroom notes with a hint of thyme complexity. The palate is wonderfully harmonious and generous, and offers terrific drinking. So easy on the palate, even though the wine is concentrated and brilliantly structured. At its best: now to 2020."
Reserve Chardonnay
Cameron Douglas MS. 2023 Reserve Chardonnay. 94/100. "A lovely wine with a bouquet of site and time - aromas of white peach and sweet citrus, oak spices and nut, wood smoke and mineral. A dry wine with a satin texture touches the palate first then flavours of white orchard fruits and citrus follow. The flavours of unroasted cashew nut and Brazil-nut butter and a creaminess with acidity delivering contrast. This all ads up to a delicious wine with complexity and length. Best drinking from 2025 through 2029."
Michael Cooper. 2023 Reserve Chardonnay. 5 stars. "The very savoury, ageworthy 2023 vintage (*****) is a single-vineyard wine, hand-harvested, fermented and matured for a year in French oak casks, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright, light lemon/green, it is fragrant, full-bodied and vigorous, with deep, ripe, peachy, citrusy flavours, mealy and biscuity notes adding excellent complexity, and a very harmonious, finely textured finish. Best drinking 2026+."
Sam Kim. 2023 Reserve Chardonnay. 96/100. "Superbly complex and enticing, the bouquet shows golden stone fruit, mango, vanilla and roasted hazelnut aromas with a hint of brioche. The palate displays outstanding concentration and weight, wonderfully complemented by plush texture backed by beautifully infused acidity. Expansive and mouthfilling with layers of delectable flavours. At its best: now to 2031."
Raymond Chan. 2021 Reserve Chardonnay. 95/100. "Bright, even, pale straw-yellow. The nose is soft and composed, enveloping flint, stonefruit, citrus, floral, minerals, brioche and spice. Medium-full bodied, smooth on the entry, flavour grows on the palate, unfolding yellow plum, peach, citrus peels, fine spice, vanilla, flint and warm brioche. The attractive mouthfeel is slightly oily, adorned by poised, fine-textured phenolics. The sweet fruit shows concentration; lacy acidity provides a seamless drive and carries a lingering finish. This elegant Chardonnay shows harmonious sweet fruit, lacy acidity and poised oak elements. Match with crayfish and quail over the next 8+ years. Handpicked, whole bunch pressed, wild yeast fermented in oak barrels, aged 18 months on lees, unfined, unfiltered."
Michael Cooper. 2021 Reserve Chardonnay. 5 stars. "Revealing strong personality, the debut 2021 vintage (5*) is a single-vineyard wine, hand-harvested at Bendigo, fermented and matured for 18 months in French oak casks, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Pale straw, it is mouthfilling and very savoury, with concentrated, ripe, peachy flavours, balanced acidity, impressive complexity and a harmonious, well-rounded finish. Already drinking well, it should be at its best 2024+."
Cameron Douglas MS. 2021 Reserve Chardonnay. 93/100. "Complex, developing, ripe and pure, there’s no mistaking the core fruit scents of stone fruit and apple then a baked nut and toasty barrel quality from the use of barrel. Perfectly weighted on the palate with fruit and oak flavours at the core. Taut with acidity and tannins adding their squeeze on the senses with fresh stone and citrus fruits for contrast then a natural sweetness from wood and gently warming alcohol. Complex and youthful still with best dirnking from late 2023 through 2029"