Te Muna Road Vineyard Martinborough Pinot Noir 2006

Vineyards

The Te Muna Road Vineyard is located in Martinborough, on New Zealand’s North Island. The vineyard sits on ancient river terraces with alluvial gravel soils, providing excellent drainage. The cool, windy climate and stony soils are ideal for Pinot Noir, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and elegant structure.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-picked and sorted before undergoing fermentation in open-top stainless steel tanks. A combination of wild and cultured yeasts is used to enhance complexity. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new, to add subtle oak influence without overpowering the delicate fruit.

Appearance

Bright ruby red with a slight purple hue.

Nose

Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries dominate the bouquet, with hints of rose petals, spice, and a touch of earthiness.

Palate

Medium-bodied with a silky texture, the palate offers flavours of red berries, cranberries, and pomegranate. Fine-grained tannins and a refreshing acidity provide balance, leading to a long, smooth finish.

Food pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs well with roasted duck, salmon, or charcuterie. Its bright acidity also makes it a great match for dishes with rich sauces.

Background story

Craggy Range’s Te Muna Road Vineyard was planted in the early 2000s by Terry Peabody and Steve Smith MW, who recognised the potential of Martinborough’s unique climate and soils. Today, it is considered a benchmark site for Pinot Noir in New Zealand, producing wines that consistently receive critical acclaim for their elegance and depth. The 2006 vintage reflects the estate’s philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and refined.