Pencarrow, Pinot Noir 2020
Product Information
Country New Zealand
Region Martinborough
Grape Variety Pinot Noir
Vintage 2020
ABV 13.5%
Experience the refined character of the Pencarrow Pinot Noir 2020, a premium handcrafted New Zealand Pinot Noir from Martinborough’s world-renowned vineyards. Sourced from Palliser Estate’s finest vineyard blocks, including East Base, Clouston, Pinnacles, and Winery, along with select parcels of premium Martinborough-grown Pinot Noir, this vintage captures the true essence of the region’s celebrated terroir.
Vinification
Crafted using a minimalist, hands-off approach, this Martinborough Pinot Noir is fermented with wild indigenous yeasts, preserving the natural complexity of the fruit and terroir. A small portion (approximately 5%) of whole cluster fermentation adds structural depth and aromatic lift.
Ageing in French Oak
Aged for 10 months in high-quality French oak barrels, with about 25% (varies by vintage) new oak, this red wine develops subtle layers of spice and a silky texture without masking its vibrant fruit character.
Tasting Notes
• Appearance: Deep ruby hue with a dark red core and a violet-tinted rim.
• Aromas: Rich and fragrant aromas of black cherry, dark plum, and baking spices, layered with cedar, anise, and earthy forest floor notes. Subtle hints of violet, thyme, and cinnamon round out the bouquet.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and expressive, with flavours of juicy black cherry, plum, and delicate herbal nuances. Toasted oak and earthy spice lend complexity and a savoury touch.
• Structure: Smooth, medium-grained tannins provide finesse and structure, while the bright acidity delivers balance and freshness.
• Finish: Long, lingering finish with notes of spicy dark fruit, liquorice, and a hint of savoury forest floor.
This is a vibrant, elegant Pinot Noir that pairs beautifully with duck, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb, or a charcuterie board.
Palliser Estate Wines is a trailblazer in New Zealand’s premium wine industry. Nestled on the renowned Martinborough Terrace in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand’s North Island, Palliser Estate has been crafting exceptional small-batch wines since harvesting their first grapes in 1989. By 1991, they were proudly exporting globally and quickly earned international acclaim for their world-class, sustainably produced wines.
With a long history of excellence, Palliser Estate has earned numerous gold medals in international wine competitions and was named Exporter of the Year by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. In 1998, Palliser became one of the first three wineries worldwide to be certified under the ISO 14001 International Environmental Standard, reflecting its deep commitment to sustainable wine production.
Spanning across seven premium vineyard blocks on the unique Martinborough Terrace, Palliser’s vineyards thrive in a terroir shaped centuries ago by the Ruamahanga and Huangarua Rivers. The region’s stony silt loam soils and free-draining ancient river gravels create the perfect environment for growing elegant and expressive Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay wines. Despite a climate that poses challenges, strong winds and frosts, the wines produced here are intensely flavoured, beautifully balanced, and truly reflective of their terroir.
Whether you are shopping for organic Martinborough Pinot Noir, boutique New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, or small-batch Chardonnay from Wairarapa, Palliser Estate offers premium wines that combine tradition, innovation, and sustainability.
