Te Tera means "the other" in Maori in reference to its big brother, the Estate Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir. This wine comes predominately from the vineyards on the Martinborough Terrace. A stunning wine! A full-on nose of earth, toast, briar, brambles, rich cherry fruit in syrup, and berry notes as well, just in case cherries arent, yknow, your thang, maaan. The juicy fruit is framed by firm acid, and it finishes with chalky, drying tannins that incite a riotous race for the next glass before the bottle runs. Give it some time or enjoy it now.
Martinborough in the course of 20 vintages have become famous for their hauntingly brilliant Pinot Noir and now you can see what all the fuss is about. Making Pinot is always tough work but these guys make it all seem so effortless. Dark fruits and spice as well as seductive cherries and plums before a palate of focused intensity. It’s balanced with a silky palate of cherry and spice and fresh acids that will ensure it will last for many years ahead. A wine that really goes well with earthy foods, particularly mushrooms.
From the Winery
The 2015 growing season featured a mild winter, warm spring and sunny December. This consistent warm weather coupled with very few cold nights meant frost was uncommon. The favourable weather conditions led to harvest arriving two weeks early and the vines producing some of the best fruit the region has ever seen.
Te Tera Pinot Noir comes mainly from our younger vineyards (vine age ranges from 8-20 years old) within the Martinborough appellation. These vineyards sit on a mix of alluvial and clay soils. Our younger vineyards tend to produce Pinots that feature spicy notes on the nose paired with soft fruit flavours and a smooth finish on the palate.
These grapes are mainly hand-picked from the younger vineyards in Martinborough. From there the grapes are hand-plunged, 100% destemmed and fermented with natural yeast. Natural malolactic fermentation takes place in the French oak for ten months.
Wonderful aromatics of dark cherries and dried herbs and spices instantly grab your attention on the nose of this elegant Pinot Noir. On the first sip, your palate is greeted with soft, rich fruit flavours with a hint of spice. The Moorish tannins and a velvety texture make for an impressive finish.
