A Pinot Noir from Wanaka – made from vines planted between 1982 and 1989. Tinker’s Field is a gentle, north facing slope in this immensely picturesque vineyard. A bright, vivid burgundy-purple in the glass. The bouquet has blueberry, damson plum, cherry, orange peel, toasted spices and lilac florals. Quite tight and closed in the palate for now – I advise decanting if drinking this now, or put down to cellar and develop. What does show is a firm spine of savoury, granite-like tannin and a lick of oak. Acidity is bright and zings along, but there’s no great harmony or cohesion here – yet, but its pedigree suggests this will come right. For now, 89pts
Rippon Tinker’s Field Pinot Noir 2022
