Vineyard: Queensberry Vineyard
Subregion: Queensberry 
Region: Central Otago
Vintage: 2018
Soil Type: Mineral rich with glacial origins: a mixture of loess, gravels, schist and quartz
Viticulture: BioGro Certified Organic and Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified (SWNZ). 

Winemaker's Notes: 

Una Volta’ means ‘One Time’. In 2018 a organically farmed single vineyard nestled in the Queensberry subregion halfway between Wanaka and Cromwell in Central Otago, offered its pristine fruit to us. Having both grown up in Central Otago, the bounty of the region always proves tempting, but this fruit was stunning.

The nature of this fruit, being from a warm and vibrantly fruity year, presented an exceptional situation where we decided to use only the free-run portion, such was the power and density of the wine following fermentation. It is gloriously immense, with black fruit compote, warm baking spice notes and a rich velvety texture. Maintaining our minimalist philosophy, we bottled it without filtration which means nothing is taken away though a natural deposit will occur over time.

Reviews: 

18+ Points (Top 3 NZ Pinot Noir 2018) "Much darker than the Anthem Pinot 2018. The fruit is also darker and more savoury but still with Pinot’s unmistakable perfume: dark-red fruits and a non-sweet floral fragrance – not really what I expected from the colour. There’s a Morey-St-Denis-like floral spice. Concentrated but not in the least heavy. Plenty of tannins considering it was only the free-run juice but they are polished and fine. Polar opposite to the Anthem 2019 and shows the range of terroirs and styles in Central Otago. Firm, gently chewy, with terrific density but all lithe and full of energy. Not quite ready yet though hard to resist." Julia Harding MW | JancisRobinson.com 27/01/22

95 Points "Una Volta means One Off, which is self-explanatory. From a vineyard in Queensberry halfway between Wanaka and Cromwell. Creamy-textured pinot noir with ripe plum, dark berry, liquorice, anise and spicy flavours. A classic 'iron fist in a velvet glove' with seemingly good cellaring prospects." 26/8/2020 Bob Campbell MW

91 Points “Cor almighty, this is a structured Pinot! It starts innocently enough, filling the mouth with elegant fruit, but as things progress, the tannins build to a crescendo, tightly clasping the mouth on the smoky-bacon-like finish. It's incredible that only free-run juice was used for the wine, such is its frame. The medium-length finish speaks of black cherry fruit, licorice, festive spices and a subtle floral note that is indicative of the high whole bunch component.” Rebecca Gibb MW for Vinous Media March 2021

92 Points “A one-off parcel of pinot that offers aromas of violets, as well as blueberries and cherries. The palate has an attractively supple and sleek feel with plush tannins and vibrant acidity, holding blue-fruit flavors smooth and fresh. Drink now. Screw cap.” Nick Stock for JamesSuckling.com February 2021.

90 Points "This too is very spicy and quite floral in character though the fruit is more deeply pitched, offering up notes of dark pinot fruit and plum nuances. There is a bit more volume as well to the richer though less well-delineated middle weight flavors that conclude in a delicious and complex if mildly edgy finale. This is certainly pretty but the balance is less well-dialed in plus there is a hint of warmth. 90/2024+ Allen Meadows (Burghound)

89+ Points “This is a new bottling from a vineyard located between Cromwell and Wanaka. Made using 50% whole clusters and 35% new French oak, the 2018 Una Volta Pinot Noir offers up scents of cola, raspberries and button mushrooms. It's medium to full-bodied and tart on the palate, veering toward cranberries on the finish, where silky tannins are accentuated by those crisp acids. Give it another year or two and see if it mellows a bit.” Joe Czerwinksi, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate April 2021

View Tasting Notes - 2018