A new boutique label from the southern end of the Te Muna Valley in Martinborough. It is a personal project by Paul Mason, who has taken over winemaking at Nga Waka, after 20 years at Martinborough vineyards. The 2025 vintage yielded just 1,058 bottles, which equates to less than a single bottle per vine from their one hectare of vines. A medium density ruby colour in the glass. The bouquet shows cherry, cranberry and red plum fruits, plus a slightly spicier notes of cinnamon, sumac and white pepper. It is an elegant style, but still carries richness into the palate, as well as a little of that savoury, meaty personality you get from the region. Fruit forward and generous – a good balance between ripe fruits but with power and structure from dusty, dry tannins and crisp acidity. 92pts
Mason ‘Hidden Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2024
