Winemaker's Notes:
This is our second release of the impressive Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir. Located in the Omaka Valley in the Southern Valleys chain, the vineyard is organically farmed and was established in 2009. The north-facing hillside, dubbed the Back Block is planted to a high density (3788 plants / ha) while the exposure yields naturally small bunches and berries.
Matt explains our Blank Canvas Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir is a classic representation of Pinot Noir from the Omaka. It has incredible density and power. For us, Omaka is the most tannic sub-region in Marlborough which is why this 2020 vintage, which was another warm and dry year, we have opted for a higher whole cluster proportion (65%). It is an incredibly structured and impressive wine and is built to age.
Reviews:
2020 Vintage:
5 STARS ***** "The classy, youthful 2020 vintage (5*) was hand-harvested from clone 777 vines planted in the early 2000s in the Omaka Valley. Bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, sweet-fruited, concentrated and structured, with ripe cherry and plum flavours, complex and savoury. Still very fresh and vigorous, it's well worth cellaring to 2025+." Michael Cooper
95 points - Attractively aromatic wine with floral/violet, red cherry, grape stems and a suggestion of classy oak. Elegant wine with high energy, crushed herb flavours. Approachable now but with good cellaring potential 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW
94 points - "A youthful core of dark red cherry and fruit spice, there’s a distinctive perfume of rose then wild berries and oak spice. A fine white smoke note from barrel and soft silty soil earthy quality layers in breadth and complexity. Lots of core red fruit flavours touch the palate first then textures from finer polished tannins, plenty of acidity and a fine saline quality. Fresh, varietal balanced, a nice tautness and gentle squeeze, well made, youthful still and lengthy. Best drinking from 2024 through 2030. Be great to see this wine in a year." Cameron Douglas MS
