2017 Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Te Muna Road Vineyard is located some 7 kilometres outside of the Martinborough township and consists of two distinct terraces, the higher comprising very old, stony clay-infused soils perfect for Pinot Noir. Made with the inclusion of 15% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak barriques (22% new) for a period of 10 months.
Deep dark red core with black tinged edges and a semi translucent red hue. Soaring out of the glass with a perfumed like intensity are aromas of violets, dark to black cherries, strawberries and anise trailed by some forest floor, dried meat, herbs and spicy cedar. Rich, expansive and supple the palate is engulfed with ripe fleshy dark cherry, plum and strawberry fruit. Elements of anise, forest floor, dried herbs and spicy cedar flowing onto the back half. Superb power wave with velvet smooth tannins and a long moreish aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
Blind tasted by James Doidge, Roger Jones and Dirceu Vianna Junior MW(at Decanter Magazine's February 2020 issue New World Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir Panel Tasting, 30 Oct 2019)
Part of Decanter's top Panel Tasting wines 2020
Founded in 1993, Craggy Range is known for its wines from both Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay and Te Muna Road in Martinborough. The Te Muna Road vineyard is separated into two distinct terraces, with Pinot Noir grown on the rocky, clay infused soils of the upper terrace. Hand harvested grapes are fermented in a combination of French oak and open top stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in French oak barriques, of which around 25% are new.
Drinking Window 2020 – 2028
96 points
Decanter Magazine 

Plenty of rich, red and darker-cherry aromas with spices and woody allure. There’s a supple and silky feel to the ripe fruit here. This has attractive depth and concentration with a wealth of fleshy, fine yet sturdy and tightly woven tannin, carrying ripe, succulent red and dark-cherry flavors. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com