ALTITUDE

Fruit from Southern Valleys and Awatere. 15-20% whole bunch press, aged in oak but only a small percentage of new. Natural ferment, unfined and unfiltered. More intense on the nose than the Tributary. Darker, more savoury, fresh and elegant. Tannins are smooth and refined. There’s a definite herbal quality from those stems but absolutely no underripeness or herbaceousness. Drinking range: 2016 - 2021 Rating: 17 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Nov 2015)

With 25% whole bunch fruit and 25% going into new oak, this was never going to be a shy Kiwi Pinot Noir. It has stature and presence, with the bright red cherry fruit tamed sympathetically by the careful exposure to oak. In short, it's balance between fruit and wood is very well executed. Rating: 92 The Wine Gang - www.thewinegang.com (Oct 2015)

Harvest & Winemaker’s notes: The ‘Altitude’ Pinot Noir is the pinnacle of the Two Rivers’ range. Only 7 very special barrels are classed superior enough to make the ‘Altitude’ blend. Pinot Noir clones 115, 667, 777, and 10/5 were handpicked from both Francis (Ward in the Awatere Valley) and Rive vineyards (Upper Wairau Valley) where fragile soils and high altitude give a true depth of flavour and character to this unique style of Marlborough Pinot Noir. 25% whole cluster included in the fermentation with no extended skin contact, and no fining or filtration prior to bottling. The wine was aged for eleven months in 40% new French oak barrels. This wine offers an insight into the Two Rivers’ philosophy of being at the forefront of super-premium Pinot Noir winemaking with a dedication to finding extremely unique and special micro climates hidden deep in the valleys of this world famous winegrowing region. Tasting notes: Intense deep garnet in colour. A complex, brooding, savoury nose with aromas of forest berry and blueberry layered with hints of cocoa nib, leather, and garam masala spice. The palate is complex , juicy, and structured, with fresh raspberry and blueberry flavours mingled with a touch of dark chocolate truffle.Winemaker's notes (Jul 2015)