Vineyard: Anthem Vineyard

Subregion: Gibbston Valley
Region: Central Otago
Vintage: 2019
Soil Type: Schist derived, windblown alluvial loess
Viticulture: Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified (SWNZ)
Growers/Manager: Dave Henderson / Jase Thomson 

Winemaker's Notes: 

The incredibly picturesque Anthem Vineyard in the Gibbston Valley is proving itself. It delivers riveting floral aromatics, elegance and velveteen tannins year after year. We think it's one of the most special sites in Central and this vintage continues with its theme of serious savouriness and class. 

2019 was what we'd all refer to as a more classic vintage in Central Otago, a respite from the almost oppressive heat of 2018, with the much expected chilly nights but hot days allowing Pinot Noir to thrive in the diurnal range. Wild fermentation, 50% whole-cluster inclusion and a low-toast oak regime gives elegance, complexity and structure to the wine. Maintaining our minimalist philosophy, we bottle without filtration which means nothing is taken away though a natural deposit will occur over time.

Reviews: 

2019 Vintage:

95 Points - "The Anthem Vineyard sits in the coolest part of Central Otago – which itself is the most southerly vineyard region in the world – and when it escapes frost and is able to ripen its fruit, the Gibbston Valley can sing sweetly. The 2019 Pinot Noir Anthem Vineyard is undeniably cloudy, being unfiltered, but this means all the good stuff is left in. It is mysterious and brooding, luring you into a labyrinth of flavours and textures. Its cool origins (plus the inclusion of whole clusters) are on display in its exotically spiced fragrance of woody herbs, wormwood, pine and red cherry. Soothing in its feel and caress, this is a wine that acts as the equivalent of two nights in a spa hotel. Round but never heavy with supple tannins that lightly coat your cheeks, this is a hugely pleasurable wine already and will continue to be over the medium term." Vinous | Rebecca Gibb MW, May 2023

95 Points - Outstanding "Fabulous bouquet of delicacy and perfume, complexity and charm. Aromas of pressed roses and cherry flesh, there’s a fine savoury quality layering finesse and detail. Oak offers moments of spice and sweetness. On the palate - delicious, layers of texture and finesse with flavours to reflect the variety and complexity with strawberry and cherry, red apple and spice. Perfectly balanced with a fine chalky mouthfeel, fine tannins and medium+ acid line. Best drinking from 2023 through 2027+." Cameron Douglas MS 

95 Points - Elegant, fine-textured pinot noir with fine herbs, mixed spice and hedgerow aromas. High energy wine with a seamless texture. Nicely structured with fruit/alcohol sweetness balanced against fine, drying tannins. 20/12/2022 Bob Campbell MW