Big Wave Dave

9.3

Serious and such a pure expression of site and terroir. Only pinot I’ve had from Wanaka sub-region of Central Otago is Rippon, and I can taste the similarity. Pure strawberry and red cherry cream. With an austere cool climate sourness that is not unpleasant. Good mid palate weight. Silky but chewy. Very very good. — 3 years ago

with Racquel

Brent Mayeaux

Production Burn Cottage Vineyard

9.1

Really pretty, high quality, fruit. Cherry and cranberry. A medley of non-fruit in the background waiting to come forward, but I didn't spend enough time with it. Just a mouthful without being heavy. Very soft, powdery, tannins. This will be a beauty in a few years. — 9 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Some whole bunch twigginess on nose. On palate a closed core of rich fruit needing time to fully reveal itself. Currently savoury plum notes rule. A good example of Central Otago Pinot from picturesque Lake Wanaka and made by the enigmatic Nick Mills who gave his presentation at NZ Pinot Noir 17 in bare feet.... in tune with the Maori dancers he said. I do have a problem with the fruit bomb nature of Otago Pinots which can be a bit one dimensional even with a little age like this one. One exception was a 10 year old Felton Road Block 3. Personally prefer Martinborough or Canterbury for NZ Pinots. — 7 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

I meet with a lot of wineries that talk about being bio-dynamic. However, none of them are more passionate about this practice than Rippon. They love talking about it with great passion and truly walk the talk. In the photos are a huge pile of cow dung, stems, dropped fruits etc.. It all goes back into the vineyard to nourish the vines. The fruit to make "The Mature" comes from the Emma's and Tinker's vineyard. On the nose, light red fruits, beautiful fresh red florals and light spice. The palate is medium bodied with lean fruits of; dark cherries, plum, strawberries, raspberries, black berries, warm spices, bright red roses, gritty minerals, fine chalkiness, beautiful acidity and a well polished finish. Additional photo of their Cellar Door grounds. — 8 years ago

Anna Tyack

9.0

A bright future ahead for this first vintage of sans soufre pinot noir from Tinker's Field block @ Rippon in Wanaka | Only 35 cases made in 2013, none in 2014 | To put back in the cellar for another couple of years — 10 years ago