Chard Farm ‘Mata-Au’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019

Next step up is this pinot, from the Mata-Au vineyards in the Lowburn and Parkburn areas of the Cromwell basin. More specifically, 33% from the Tiger Vineyard at Lowburn, 47% from the Viper Vineyard at Parkburn, Cromwell, and 20% from the Mason Vineyard, also at Parkburn, with this wine made from the best blocks. The vineyards are full of alluvial schist, for those who like to know these things. The name – it’s what the locals call the nearby Clutha River. It is pronounced martar-o. 

The colour is a lovely magenta/purple. The wine is ripe and balanced, but still very youthful. Raspberries and mulberry fruit and also an undertow of a minerally/gravelly character with some complexity already emerging. There is also forest floor and florals, which appear to be more apparent on the palate. A note of core sweetness also appears on the finish, which is long and balanced with a silky texture. A lovely Pinot that is 93 now, but it will surely go higher.