From the Takapau Plains in Central Hawke’s Bay, and winner of a Gold medal at NZIWS this year. It has an appealing bright ruby colour and zips out of the glass with scents of cherry, damson, rosehip, roasted spice, orange peel and candy apple. A good dose of smoky oak greets you on the palate, and the associated cinnamon, vanilla and slate notes. Supple tannin and slinky acidity work in tandem to provide an extra framework, and the smoothness of the texture suggests with careful cellaring that this will only improve. Drinks well now, but keep for five years. 93pts
Junction ‘Body and Soul’ Pinot Noir 2021
