Prestige Collection "Aroha" Craggy Range 2019 (750 ml)

97 poena – James Suckling

Aroha je romantična riječ na maorskom jeziku koja znači ljubav. Kao odraz svog imena, Aroha se stvara s posebnom strašću od pažljivo odabranih parcela Pinot Noira sa gornje terase vinograda Te Muna Road u Martinboroughu. Plemstvo pojedinih blokova je ključno za kvalitet ovog vina. Sa više od 20 godina starosti, ravnoteža najboljeg terroira u vinogradu – definisana uskim slojem gline iznad kamenog tla – balansira između snage i ljepote. Prilikom stvaranja ovog vina, vinarija se vodi kvalitetom tanina kao glavnim faktorom, koji donosi prepoznatljivo dug završetak ukusa. Ovo je dodatno podržano manjom ekstrakcijom u podrumu i dužim odležavanjem u buradima, sve u cilju stvaranja Pinot Noira koji pripada najvišim dometima ove sorte.

Konačno vino je tradicionalne burgundske boje s nježnim grimiznim nijansama. Ovo je izrazito slano (umami) vino Aroha, s aromama lisičarki i bijelog tartufa koje dominiraju buketom. Nepce je živahno i čisto, s fokusom na srž crvenog voća, dok su tanini prisutni ali uravnoteženi. Intenzitet ukusa je visok, kao rezultat niskog prinosa. Ovo vino ima mnogo karaktera i odlično se slaže s jelima zemljanog, slanog ili bogatijeg ukusa. Pomislite na pečenu perad poput pačetine, jagnjetine ili čak lososa. Rižoto s pečurkama je takođe izvrstan izbor, kao i jela pripremljena tehnikom dinstanja, posebno dinstana govedina. Dobro se slaže i s mnogim sirevima, uključujući brie i plavi sir.

97 points - James Suckling

Aroha is a romantic word in Maori, meaning love. Reflective of its namesake, Aroha is handcrafted with passion from unique parcels of Pinot Noir grown on the upper terrace of the Te Muna Road Vineyard in Martinborough. The pedigree of particular blocks is paramount to the quality of this wine. At over 20 years of age, the balance in the vineyard's best terroir, identified by a narrow band of clay over stone, straddles that line between power and beauty. When crafting this wine, the estate looks for the quality of tannin to be the ultimate driver, providing unmistakable length of flavour.  This is complemented by less extraction in the winery and longer duration in barrel, all in service to a style of Pinot Noir that sits in the top echelons of this variety. 

The final wine is a traditional burgundy in colour with a soft crimson hue.  This is a very savoury Aroha with chanterelle mushroom and white truffle aromas dominating the bouquet. The palate is lively and pure, focusing towards a red fruit core, whilst the tannins are prevalent but balanced. The concentration of flavour is high as a result of the low yield. There is plenty of personality in this wine, and it is a good pairing for dishes with earthy, savory, or slightly richer flavours. Think of roasted poultry like duck, lamb, or even salmon.  Mushroom risotto is another excellent choice, as are braised dishes, especially braised beef.  It also complements many cheeses, including brie and blue cheese.