The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: Sep 21, 2023
Drink: 2023-2035

Where the 2020 Aroha Pinot Noir is obvious in its outlay of pleasure (the fruit, the tannins and the whole bunches are all distinct characteristics within the wine as a whole), the 2021 Aroha Pinot Noir is a far more svelte, flowing affair with a seamless transition between fruit, tannin and whole bunch (32%). It is characterized by black cherries, a hint of kirsch, black tea, star anise, clove and dehydrated orange peel, jasmine tea, raspberry and a hint of graphite and cocoa dust. This is a really exciting wine here, and it's a statement for New World Pinot. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Mar 6, 2023

A beautiful pinot noir with sliced strawberry, raspberry and orange peel aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very savory at the end. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Nov 2, 2023
Drink: 2023-2032

Aroha (meaning ‘love’ in native New Zealand Māori language) is made from two low-yielding parcels (one planted to the Abel clone) on the slope of an elevated terrace of the Te Muna Road vineyard. Wild yeast fermented, it uses 32% whole bunch fruit and ages in barrique, 30% new, for 12 months, then bottled unfiltered. Anne Krebiehl MW: Smooth, dense fruit, tannins that crackle with peppery and briar spice, vivid crunch. Such freshness and perfect balance. Justin Knock MW: Pretty red fruits, perfumed, citrus, wild herbs, earthy hints. There’s really fine attention on the palate, crisp, pinpoint, expertly balanced. This is a very fine wine. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Seductive, inviting ripe forest fruits, pepper and a hint of sweet spices. Excellent fruit concentration, harmonious structure and silky in texture.

Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Medium
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir / Pinot Nero

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: May 12, 2023
Drink: 2024-2033

Still-youthful crimson. Lifted nose and quite savoury and burgundian. Transparent and youthful with real zest and potential. Lots of way to go. But so refreshing and intricate already. Tannins obvious. Lots of energy.

Craggyrange.com

Aroha is a romantic word in Te Reo, Maori, meaning love. Reflective of its namesake, Aroha is handcrafted with passion from unique parcels of Pinot Noir grown on the upper terrace of our Te Muna Road Vineyard in Martinborough. The pedigree of particular blocks is paramount to the quality of this wine. At over 20 years of age, the balance in our best blocks, identified by a narrow band of clay over stone, straddles that line between power and beauty. When crafting this wine, we look for the quality of tannin to be the ultimate driver, and with Aroha, the velvet line provides unmistakable length. Less extraction in the winery and longer duration in barrel are constant progressions of our thought, as this wine reflects a world style of Pinot Noir that strives to sit in the top echelons of this variety.