Purple Palate

The Mata-Au (pronounced "mat-a-oh") is a Pinot Noir of more focus than its little brother, the River Run, derived solely from the terraced vineyards in the Cromwell basin of Central Otago. This exclusivity really shows through in the fruit, delivering a beautifully floral, ethereally sweet nose of flossed strawberry candy over winter apples and cranberry. The palate is supple, finely woven with tannin, and detailed with musty red berries and spicy orange citrus complexities. The silky, soft-middled texture is laced with schisty acidity and a lovely, natural texture of sticky berry must. Elegant, lively and complex, it's also sure to evolve nicely with a little cellaring.-NT.