Nautilus Estate Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2020

93 POINTS

Ray Jordan - Winepilot

It’s a wine that captures the Marlborough Pinot Noir style really well. Opens with a wave of dark cherry aroma and even a little blackberry, underpinned with a slightly smoky, spicy character. The palate delivers more sour cherry character that balances with a finishing savouriness. The integration of oak and fruit is precise and creates a seamless, textural mouthfeel. It was made with minimal handling in the winery, and this has resulted in a wine that displays a lightness of touch and vibrancy throughout.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

A restrained pinot for this appellation with dried strawberry, earth, cedar and sandalwood. Baking spices. Lots of wood. Medium body, firm tannins and a slightly austere finish. But it has character.

91 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2020 Southern Valleys Pinot Noir is light and fragrant, with a grounding of generous tannin in the mouth. This is all cherry kirsch and pressed flowers, with nuances of roasted game and Sichuan peppercorn. It is substantial without being chunky. This is nicely done. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

90 POINTS

Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous

The 2020 Pinot Noir Southern Valleys is a succulent style with a full body. Shapely curves and almost sticky, mouthcoating tannins combine to reflect the richer clay soils of this part of the Marlborough district. Sweet strawberry fruit flavors meet savory and herbal characters (20% whole bunches) and integrated cedar notes of oak maturation. While it is starting to show some orange tints in the glass (possibly due to rising pH levels that are no longer manipulated), this richly structured Pinot remains a youthful prospect and should drink well over the next 5-8 years.