Rapaura Springs Single Vineyard Limestone Terrace Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020

Rapaura Springs Single Vineyard Limestone Terrace Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020"This is immensely complex on the nose showing Black Doris plum, rich floral, spicy oak, dried herb and warm mushroom aromas. The gracefully opulent palate delivers super fine texture and silky flow, wonderfully complemented by sweet fruit richness and spicy savoury nuances. Sophisticated and multi layered, making it hugely satisfying. At its best: now to 2032" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Taut, fine boned pinot noir with red cherry, plum, oyster shell,

"’This is immensely complex on the nose showing Black Doris plum, rich floral, spicy oak, dried herb and warm mushroom aromas. The gracefully opulent palate delivers super-fine texture and silky flow, wonderfully complemented by sweet fruit richness and spicy/savoury nuances. Sophisticated and multi-layered, making it hugely satisfying. At its best: now to 2032" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Taut, fine-boned pinot noir with red cherry, plum, oyster shell, violet and spicy oak flavours supported by juicy acidity that gives the wine extra energy and drive. Although it can be appreciated now the wine has good cellaring potential" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

"’Deep ruby-red with black core, even colour throughout. The nose is gently full, slightly retrained, with plum and cherry aromas entwined with red floral, herb and a subtle hint of flint. Medium-bodied, aromas of cherry and young plum interweave with hibiscus, orange pith, thyme and minerals. Medicinal herb elements linger at the closing. The mouthfeel is chalky with finely extracted tannins and minerals; a light grip provides structure. Crunchy acidity carries flavours across the palate and lends a long, fragranced finish. This fragrant Pinot Noir shows bright fruit, floral and herb elements adorn with orange pith and a crunchy mineral line" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews

"’Very attractive bouquet with dark berries and smoky oak qualities. Nice and complex, enticing and new. On the palate flavours of black cherry and dark currants, some baking spices from toasty barrel with new tannins both accentuated by acidity add structure and intensity. And with a lengthy finish and persistent flavours from fruit and barrel this wine is ready to drink and enjoy with food or on its own from mid to late 2023 through 2027+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

Fine and fragrant, with floral, cherry and redcurrant fruit characters. The palate is complex with ripe red berry and plum fruits. Fresh thyme herbs complement the bright fruits and offer a lovely savoury element.

The Limestone Terrace Vineyard is located in the Ward sub-region of Marlborough’s Southern Coast. The close proximity to the ocean means the spectacularly rugged site is exposed to the cool southerly winds, which naturally inhibit yields. The soils are a mix of silt loam and loess overlaying greywacke gravels, sedimentary limestone and sandstone.

2020 would’ve been the perfect harvest, if it wasn’t for COVID-19. The introduction of a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the virus coincided with the beginning of picking, bringing with it the very real possibility that the industry would be shut down, preventing us from harvesting our fruit. Our vineyard and winery teams moved incredibly fast to adhere to strict distancing and hygiene protocols to allow us to continue to operate. Our Pinot Noir grapes were carefully hand-harvested under these conditions. After harvest the Pinot Noir was cold soaked for five days, prior to wild fermentation. Whole bunch components (17%) were included for additional complexity. After fermentation, the must was pressed and the wine aged for ten months in French Oak, including 30% new oak.

Our Single Vineyard wines hail from premium vineyard sites and represent the best of our region. Each bottle of Rapaura Springs tells the story of a lifetime. Of water and wine, and of generations of family working with nature. Our label depicts the rocky aquifer at our home vineyard, and the pristine springs that connect it to our land. We make exceptional wines that reflect our remarkable landscapes, pure waterways and passionate people.