Vineyard: Anthem Vineyard

Subregion: Gibbston Valley
Region: Central Otago
Vintage: 2021
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. 

The 2021 vintage has that beautiful contrast between lifted florals and crunchy red fruits as well as a savoury, sappy complexity suggesting forest floor and subtle smoked game. Structurally this comes in the perfect Gibbston package of fresh acidity and satiny, sleek tannins. A real charmer that encapsulates why we love this Central Otago subregion so much.

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: 

2021 Vintage: 

95 POINTS - OUTSTANDING ‘The bouquet is both vibrant and pure, a core of plush, ripe red berry fruit scents and flavours are held in place with tannins and acidity showing their own energy and power. As the wine touches the palate the tannins show their muscle first with a savoury dried herb layer yet long in focus, and easily absorbed by the fruit flavours. Dark cherry and red currant flavours, some plum and raspberry. The oak delivers complexity and baking spice flavours, a touch of smoke and frames the wine well. Youthful, complex and lengthy with best drinking likely from 2027 through 2037.’ -CAMERON DOUGLAS  

5 STARS - ‘Showing distinct Gibbston sub-regional characteristics, the perfumed, elegant, supple 2021 vintage is a single-vineyard red, hand-picked from 21-year-old vines.  Matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (35 per cent new), it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.  Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling, vibrant and savoury, with fresh acidity and deep, ripe cherry, plum, spice and herb flavours, that build to a long, harmonious, finely structured finish. A youthful, vigorous, multi-faceted wine, it should break into full stride from 2026 onwards.’ - MICHAEL COOPER 

95 POINTS - ‘Delicately scented wine with an appealing floral lift together with a suggestion of fresh herbs and spices. Complex wine with a silken texture that is a pleasure to taste. Should develop well in the medium term.’ - BOB CAMPBELL MW

94 POINTS - ‘The vividly aromatic notes of Morello cherry, suffused with the gorgeous pepperiness of rain-wet briar hedges, immediately signal the poise and red-fruited nature of Gibbston. The fruit is ripe, absolutely juicy but remains wonderfully translucent, with every berry and cherry nuance, every shimmer of spiciness, highlighted by brilliant acidity and supported by silk chiffon tannins. The inclusion of 50% whole bunches in the ferment and masterfully integrated use of low-toasted oak only help to heighten the delicacy of this Pinot.’ - ANNE KREBIEHL MW | DECANTER

95 POINTS - ‘So much rose petal and hibiscus with some stem as well as perfectly ripe strawberries. This has medium body and refined tannins that are creamy and round, focusing at the end with just a bit of sweet and subtle fruit. Drink or hold.’- JAMES SUCKLING

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