| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | New Zealand > Central Otago |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2022 Snake's Tongue Pinot Noir won't be released until October 2024, so this is definitely a pre-release tasting, but it’s a wonderful insight into what is to come. There’s petrichor, asphalt, graphite, black tea, satsuma plum, cherry flesh and red apple skins. This has the tannic density of the 2021, but there is far more restraint and delicacy in the fruit profile. I love the way this performs in the mouth, with dried ginger, blood orange, red pepper, a hint of sesame seed and orchard fruit. A superb wine of presence and delicacy. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Steve Smith MW has describes this as Central Otago through a Pyramid Valley lens, and that is clear in the glass. It is deeper in colour than the Waikari wines, with a darker fruited nose but the same saline vibrancy that makes up the core personality of the wines from this estate. Grated bitter chocolate, pressed flowers and plump dark cherries all come through on the nose and palate. There is a supple nature to the tannins, chalky but pliant, allowing for wild berry fruit to come through. There are layers of spice, dried herbs and scorched, iron-like earth to this wine, it is expansive and never heavy. Finishing with intense, spicy dark plum and cherry, this is a strong effort. Drink over the coming 15 years.
From a lieu-dit within their Manata vineyard in Lowburn. Botanicals collection. Cask sample.
Less deep than the 2021 because of the vintage. Very fragrant. Herbal and lively and transparent. Really beautifully balanced. Even delicate! (JR)
