Clutha Ridge Vineyards, Central Otago

WINEMAKER / Matt Connell

5 stars
95 points

Sam Kim

review

Expressing fabulous fruit purity and stylish complexity, the bouquet reveals sweet plum, raspberry, violet, smoked meat, olive, and fine oak aromas, leading to a succulent palate displaying excellent concentration and persistence. Beautifully wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel and layers of polished tannins, it is wonderfully harmonious and seamless with a prolonged, satisfying finish. At its best: 2027 to 2035.

5 stars
93 points

Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

review

Light ruby-red with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full, with aromas of blackberry, cherry, thyme, mocha and spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of blackberry and cherry, melded with thyme, vanilla, roasted coffee beans and spice. Enlivening acidity and the succulent fruit present an enticing palate. Toasty spice and silky tannins enrich and lend a savoury spiced finish. A classic Central Otago Pinot Noir with appealing fruit and toasty layers. Match with roasted lamb and duck over the next 7+ years. Fermented to 14% alc. 

5 stars
93 points

Candice Chow

review

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with succulent fruit, enriched by toasty spice layers, unfolding . Lively acidity entice and savoury, satisfying finish. 

5 stars
93 points

The Wine Writer 

review

Cherry, boysenberry and mulberry aromas, ripe, juicy and delicious, with light woodsmoke and spice sitting neatly underneath - bright, fun and inviting. The palate is satin-smooth, balancing scrumptious red and dark berry fruit with a fine dusting of tannin, gentle oak smokiness, and an alpine-fresh acid line that keeps everything lifted. Absolutely delightful to drink. If you like life on the bright side, this wine celebrates that with confidence. Cool, polished and just a little rebellious.

Enjoy now for vibrancy - to 2034 for a more savoury development.

EXCELLENT
93 points

Cameron Douglas - MS

review

Delicious, taut, youthful and varietal with core aromas and flavours of blackcurrant and plum, black cherry flesh and savoury dried herb spices that reflect the region and SOHO style. Dry, taut, youthful and young, a wine that could do with more cellar-time to continue its journey into complete harmony. That said, it is totally drinkable today as well. Taut and dry with firm polished tannins, a backbone of acidity framing the core fruits and level of smoky French oak. A decent minerality and lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2029 through 2035.