Vineyard: Upton Downs Vineyard
Subregion: Upper Awatere Valley
Region: Marlborough
Vintage: 2017
Soil Type: Loess, gravels over clay
Clone: Clone 777
Viticulture: Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Certified (SWNZ)
Growers: Turnbull Family

Winemaker's Notes: 

Our Upton Downs Pinot Noir is a juxtaposition of perfume and structure. The elevated single vineyard on the terraces above the Awatere River gives elegance and delicacy of fruit while the 40% whole bunch fermentation and manual punch-downs delivers an impressive tannin framework and excellent length on the palate. Bright raspberry, red cherry and currant unite with graphite, forest floor and subtle smoked bacon. This is a wine that will get more intriguing and complex with cellaring, assisted by its whole bunch fermentation characters and low-toast savoury oak regime. It has years of evolution ahead of it.

Reviews: 

95 Points (#1 Marlborough Pinot Noir - Vinous Media NZ Red Report) "A sexy, savory and superlative Pinot Noir. Leave your preconceptions of Marlborough Pinot in the same place as your corkscrew (it's a screwcap) when you open this wine. It has delightful clarity and grace as well as an assured presence. The Thomsons have included 40% whole cluster in this fermentation, and that's detectable in lifted aromatics that are reminiscent of violet, spice and green herbs. Fine chalky tannins on the perfumed finish." Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media - March 2021 

95 Points "A bouquet of complexity, charm and curiosity. Aromas suggest a mix of light red fruits from pitted cherries of all colours to apple skin and ripe summer strawberries. The oak signature is clear with delicate baking spices. A savoury line runs through the fruit seamlessly. The palate reveal some familiar pinosity with light red fruit flavours and chalky tannins, plenty of acidity with contrasting oak and fruit sweetness. Well made, still youthful with best drinking from today with food or from late 2021 through 2026." Cameron Douglas MS 11/10/19 

95 Points “This wine is a 100% clone 777, 40% whole-cluster, unfiltered wine from the Upper Awatere valley. Delicately perfumed pinot noir with floral, rose petal, violet, cherry and subtle savoury and crushed herb characters. An appealing and distinctive wine that successfully balances fruit sweetness against a sinewy texture. Approachable now but should age very well. Drink 2019 - 2026. Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review 21/8/2019

92 Points "A light, bright and fragrant pinot noir with attractive red cherries, delivered in a perfumed style. The palate has a juicy, fresh and lithe feel with vibrant and precise tannins. Drink now. Screw cap." Nick Stock - JamesSuckling.com 16/10/2019 

View 'Upton Downs' Pinot Noir Tasting Notes - 2017 | 2016 
View Blank Canvas Pinot Noir Tasting Notes (different single vineyard) - 2015 | 2014

View the 'Upton Downs' Vineyard