Holly South Series Pinot Noir2024
2024 was an outstanding vintage for Wairarapa Pinot Noir. A cool, dry spring set a naturally small crop, while the warm dry summer and wide day-night temperature variation produced intensely coloured, concentrated fruit. Fine weather through harvest allowed each parcel to be picked at optimal ripeness.
Aromas of violets, forest berries, smoke and spice lead into a supple palate layered with dark cherry, plum and earthy savoury notes, supported by fine spicy tannins. Elegant yet generous, this wine pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, roast lamb and game dishes.
Vineyard
Fruit for this wine comes from selected blocks on our home vineyard in the heart of Wairarapa Pinot Noir country. The site’s free-draining gravel soils, cool dry climate and naturally low yields create ideal conditions for producing intensely flavoured Pinot Noir.
Winemaking
Fruit was harvested by clone and fermented in small open-top fermenters, with a mix of whole bunch and destemmed fruit. Gentle plunging and pump-overs aided extraction before the wine was matured for 14 months in 50% new French oak. The final blend combines Abel, Clone 5, Clone 114 and Clone 777 for complexity, structure and depth.
Awards & Reviews
2024
Awarded 93pts Cameron Douglas
2021
Awarded Gold and the Trophy for the Wairarapa by IWC
Name in James Sucklings Top 100 Wines of New Zealand 2023
Awarded Gold by NZ International Wine Show
Awarded Gold by The Drinks Business UK magazine
Awarded 95pts Cameron Douglas
Awarded 94pts Sam Kim
Awarded 93pts by James Suckling
Awarded 92pts Bob Campbell – The Real Review
Awarded in the Top 10 NZ Pinot Noirs by Wine Folio
Awarded Silver by Decanter
2020
Awarded 95 points by Wine Orbit
Awarded 18.5+/20 points by Candice Chow
2019
Awarded 94 points by Bob Campbell
Awarded Gold by NZ International Wine Show
Awarded Gold by Drinks Business Pinot Noir Masters
Awarded Gold by Royal Easter Wine Show
Awarded 91 points and Silver Medal at IWSC 2020
2018
Awarded 93 points by Cameron Douglas MS
Awarded 93 points by Wine Orbit – Sam Kim
Awarded 93 points by Bob Campbell
Awarded 91 points (Silver) IWC
Awarded 92 points and Silver Medal at Decanter 2020