2020 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir, Auntsfield

Marlborough, New Zealand

The 2020 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir from Auntsfield Estate is a masterful expression of place, purity, and pedigree, crafted from one of Marlborough’s oldest hillside Pinot Noir plantings. Auntsfield holds the distinction of being Marlborough’s first vineyard and winery, initially established in 1892. Today, the Cowley family carries on that pioneering spirit, producing wines that speak with authenticity and precision of their Southern Valleys terroir. The Hawk Hill block, a dramatic 4-hectare site perched on the estate’s steepest slopes, is so named for the Kahu, New Zealand’s native Harrier Hawks that soar above its thermals. This elevated, ancient site yields fruit of exceptional intensity and character, earning its place among the estate’s elite Single Block Reserve wines.

In the glass, the 2020 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir nose is captivating, revealing a splendidly fruited and complex bouquet of black plum, dark cherry, and wild thyme that intertwine with hints of dark mushroom and toasted spice. The palate is nothing short of refined power, layered with concentrated dark berry fruit, silky tannins, and a luxurious texture that glides effortlessly. There’s both depth and elegance here, culminating in a persistent, poised finish that reflects the site’s unique hillside exposure and ancient soils.

Whats in the bottle
100% Pinot Noir

Notable Awards
90/100 The Real Review

£36.00
Taxes included.

Complete the look:

Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir - Value Pack Buy 3 Get 4

£49.00

  • Producer Information
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Auntsfield Estate holds the distinction of being Marlborough’s first commercial vineyard and winery, initially established in 1873 by pioneering winemaker David Herd. Recognising the region’s potential, Herd planted his first grapes in 1892 and produced wine until he died in 1905. His son-in-law continued the legacy until 1931, marking over 50 years of esteemed winemaking.

In 1998, Graeme and Linda Cowley revitalised the historic estate, uncovering its rich winemaking heritage. They replanted the vineyard with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, cultivating approximately 65 acres on north-facing, glacially carved slopes with Greywacke rock and fine clay soils.

Their sons, Ben and Luc Cowley, have since taken the helm, with Ben overseeing viticulture and Luc managing winemaking. The Cowleys emphasise sustainable and organic farming practices, utilising native yeast fermentations to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Southern Valleys. Notably, Auntsfield’s vineyards are situated in rolling hills rather than the valley floor, providing clay-rich soils that impart depth and complexity to their wines.

Today, Auntsfield Estate continues to honour its storied past while producing premium wines that showcase the distinctive character of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys.

The fruit for this wine was hand-picked into small baskets, then carefully and diligently hand-sorted to ensure that no less than perfect fruit entered the winery. This fruit was then gently destemmed and moved to the tank by gravity. A combination of indigenous and cultured yeasts was nurtured through fermentation in open-topped tanks. Careful use of hand plunging was used to gently extract the flavours and tannins from the skins. Maturation occurred in French barriques for approximately 15 months.

Alcohol by Volume
14.5%

Vintage
2020

Country
New Zealand

Size
750ml

Types
Red Wine

Producer
Auntsfield

Grape
Pinot Noir

Region
Marlborough, South Island

2020 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir, Auntsfield

£36.00

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