Craggy Range Aroha Pinot Noir Martinborough 2021

94 POINTS

Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous

Aroha is the flagship Pinot from Craggy Range's Te Muna Road vineyard. In 2021, yields were lower due to a poor spring. The rich concentration on the mid-palate despite it being only a touch bigger than light-bodied. It is richly fruited with ripe, sweet flavors - the smaller yields ripening faster than a larger crop in the warm summer. Succulent and fragrant, evoking layers of florals including geranium, blackberry, cherry, orange peel and elegant woody herbs alongside integrated toasted cedar from 13 months in French oak (30% new). A low level of fine, gravelly tannins coat the palate on the medium length. It's open and charming in its youth, and while it's all very immediate, a little more length and line is needed for a top-drawer score.

94 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

Well, this seems to be in the zone. A flighty, flirty, pretty pinot noir with elegance as its by word and finesse writ large. Silky tannins, yes, a sluice of sour, dark cherry juice, fine, smoky, twiggy seasoning under it all and a lick of clove and anise doing a good job of seasoning. It feels so even, controlled, elegant, svelte. Superlatives for the marriage of fruit and winemaking and an overall gulpability in tow. Very good pinot, very nice feel, very lovely overall. Appealing to the max.