Accolades:
96/100 – Bob Campbell MW
5 stars – Raymond Chan

“The nose is soft and harmoniously integrated with deep aromas of ripe, dark-red berry fruit interwoven with hints of dark herbs and spices, along with some undergrowth and earthy complexing detail. The fruit remains to the fore and is the feature, showing freshness and vitality. Medium-full bodied, the palate has rich and sweet flavours of dark-red berry fruit with hints of plums. The fruit is fresh and aromatic, lifted by red floral fragrances and herbal elements. The fruit lusciousness grows and enriches the mouthfeel, and the palate possesses fine-grained tannin extraction with soft, integrated acidity. The wine is well-balanced and carries to a soft, harmonious, rich, sustained finish.” – Raymond Chan

“Deeply-scented and flavoursome pinot noir with red-fleshed plum, floral, red rose, dark cherry, star anise, liquorice and spicy oak flavours. Fruit-and-alcohol sweetness is perfectly balanced by fine tannins to give a long and drying finish. Accessible now but with good ageing potential.” – Bob Campbell MW

Tasting Note: A truly exceptional growing season in Martinborough resulted in some of the most immediately striking Pinot Noir fruit we have ever seen from Ma Maison. The Special Cuvee is only made in the best years using the best barrels. Each vintage is named in honour of a family member, in this case Jade for the Leungs’ daughter-in-law. A cold and windy November led into a hot, dry summer and a spectacular vintage. The wine has hints of black cherry, red plum and profound earthy characters with a fleshy, silken palate and a long finish. Huge cellar potential, though it’s hard to resist now.

Alcohol Volume: 14.0%

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Martinborough, New Zealand