4 Stars - Sam Kim
"Offering subtle complexity with ripe fruit notes, showing sweet cherry, dried herb, warm spice and toasted nut characters on the nose, followed by a silky palate that’s juicy and lingering. Well rounded and smooth, offering friendly drinking." Sam Kim

A beautiful expression of Marlborough’s cooler-climate elegance, the 2023 Stanrock Pinot Noir strikes a perfect balance between vibrant primary fruit and savory sophistication.

On the nose, the wine opens with a fragrant bouquet of ripe Bing cherries and wild summer berries. As it breathes, deeper layers reveal themselves: a touch of dried thyme, warm baking spices, and a hint of toasted hazelnut from subtle oak maturation. This complexity provides an intellectual edge to its naturally bright, approachable character.

The mouthfeel is where this wine truly shines. It greets the palate with a silky, velvety texture that feels both weighted and weightless. The core is remarkably juicy, bursting with red fruit energy that is tempered by a delicate, earthy undertone—reminiscent of forest floor and sun-warmed soil.

With its well-rounded structure and smooth, integrated tannins, the wine flows effortlessly into a lingering, savory finish. It is a quintessential "friendly" Pinot Noir—accessible enough for a casual evening, yet complex enough to hold its own at a dinner party.

• Aromas: Sweet cherry, wild strawberry, dried herbs, toasted oak.

• Palate: Juicy red fruits, warm spice, silky tannins.

• Character: Elegant, smooth, and vibrant.

• Food Pairing: Ideally suited for herb-crusted lamb rack, mushroom risotto, or a charred beetroot and goat cheese salad.

The 2023 vintage in Marlborough has produced wines with exceptional clarity and lift. Stanrock has captured this "vibrant essence" perfectly, ensuring the oak influence remains a supporting player, allowing the pure fruit and terroir of the region to take center stage.