Vineyard: Dry River

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Revisiting New Zealand Pinot Noir on the Occasion of Spectacular 2013 Vintage (10.25 2/5/2016)
Checking in Down Under (9.29 9/5/2013)
New Zealand Pinot Noirs from Salmanazar (9.49 10/20/2014)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Dry River

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2010 Dry River Martinborough New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.58, RS <2.0g/l, $69.99. Neil and Dawn McCallum planted a vineyard in one of the oldest Martinborough sheep stations in 1979. The area has became known as the Martinborough Terrace (and Martinborough Terrace Appellation), a gravelly, free-draining area within the lowest rainfall zone in the North Island. In 2002, the winery and 30 acres of vineyards were sold to New York businessperson Julian Robertson and California winegrower Reg Oliver who owns El Molino Winery in St. Helena, CA. Neil McCallum remained the winemaker until his retirement in 2011 and was replaced by Wilco Lam. Currently, the estate vineyards include Dry River Estate (first plantings 1979), Craighall Vineyard (first plantings 1983), and Lovat Vineyard (first plantings 1992). Dry River wines are highly valued, sold primarily by mail order, and only tiny quantities reach the USA retail market. Harvest Brix 23.0º. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of dark fruits, Mexican-spiced dark chocolate, clay and damp earth. Mid weight plus core of purple and black fruits accented by notes of spice, espresso and bittersweet chocolate. Luscious and sappy, but suave and sleek, with mildly firm tannins and vital acidity, finishing with a charge of sweet blackberry fruit. Trends toward very ripe, even slightly roasted fruit flavors. A unique and individualistic wine quite distinct from other New Zealand Pinot Noirs tasted for this review. Score: 91. Reviewed February 5, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Dry River Martinborough New Zealand Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $95. Imported by R.O. Imports, LLC, Napa, CA. Stylish long neck bottle. Tasted twice previously in November 2020 (score 94) and September 2013 (score 92). This bottle was not as appealing. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Exotic, lovely nose with aromas of very ripe black fruits, raisin, and black currant with notes of maple syrup, spice, vanilla and violet. Intense and opulent on the palate with an array of purple and black fruits including ollaliberry and black cherry. Soft, smooth, even slightly viscous, showing some secondary characters of leather and cigar box. The tannins have melded and there is touch of citrus in the background. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the flavors of sweet, very ripe black cherry and tobacco stood out. An interesting wine that should continue to satisfy for several years. Score: 90. Reviewed October 21, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Dry River Martinborough Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $95. Imported by RO Imports LLC, Napa, CA. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas need time to arrive, eventually showing red berries, spice and vanilla. Delicate in this vintage, with flavors of dark red cherries and berries that are long on the palate. Light on its feet and very supple, the tannins are nicely managed and the wine finishes with some appealing raspberry character. A little better later in the day and much better the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »