2021 Kumeu River Village Pinot Noir

The winter of 2020 was relatively mild and dry. Spring came early again, abut this time there were frosts to contend with in late September, one in particular causing damage to many of Kumeu vineyards. Similarly at the Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay there were frost events, but the wind machine that were installed recently did the job and damage was minimal. Flowering took place well ahead of normal, and it was obvious to the wine makers that the season would be very early in 2021. History will see 2021 sitting very nicely in the trio of outstanding vintages: ‘19, ‘20 and ’21.

Pinot Noir yields were definitely a lot lower, but this allowed for some very good colour and flavour development for the remaining grapes. Kumeu River believe it is the best year they have seen for Pinot since they acquired the vineyard in 2018.

The wine displays a bright cherry red /burgundy colour with lifted red fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is cool, round and fruity and with a nice hint of chalky tannin that keeps the wine dry and refreshing.