2018 Rippon "Rippon" Mature Vine Pinot Noir

Brand	Rippon Vineyard
Region	Central Otago
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2018
Country	New Zealand
Certified Organic
Organically Grown
Vegan
Vegetarian

We've been privileged to try long verticals of this Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir right back to 1991 and have witnessed this wine's remarkable ability to develop over time. This 2018 vintage is both enigmatic and charming in its youth... it’s initially reticent aromatics blossom into something special as it sits in the glass. Deep and very concentrated with signature tannin structure that comes from the interaction of the roots with the schist soils, this is a classic Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir... its combination of purity, elegance, subtlety and minerality are a nod to its bio-dynamic environment. A cellar tasting of 2010 Rippon Mature Vine Pinot last year by James Suckling drew NZ’s first and only ever perfect 100/100 international rating. James has followed up with a massive 99/100 the previous 2017 vintage... we wait with baited breathe to see what he rates this excellent 2018.

Complex and delicate aromas of cherry, subtle vanilla, savoury cured meats, nutty oak and gentle rose florals.

Juicy and immediately charming with its pristine cherry fruits and subtle savoury complexities. Mid palate the very fine-grained tannin structure kicks in quickly to remind you this is serious Pinot Noir. Herb-infused and delicately expressive, the slatey mineral character that defines Rippon’s terroir is a standout feature. Still very restrained upon release... such is the balance it drinks amazingly well in its youth. All that's left now to do is wait until 2028 and drink through 2038+. Double decant if drinking now... don’t leave to long exposed to air so to enjoy its amazingly pure aromatics.