TK Te Kairanga Pinot Noir 2016 (Martinborough, NZ)

From top to bottom, the Te Kairanga (AKA TK Wines) winery is located in Martinborough at the foot of New Zealand’s North Island, was constructed with an eye towards one goal – producing the highest quality Pinot Noir.

Constructed in 2002, the state-of-the-art facility is the perfect landing spot for their estate fruit. With multiple small fermenters and a mechanical gravity system, the winemaking team can preserve vineyard and varietal integrity by handling the fruit in the gentlest way possible.

The stone-filled river terraces are free-draining while the top-soils vary from slope to slope. The Tararua Range protects them from harsh elements and they enjoy long dry days and cool nights.

The vines grow less vigorously in the cool, breezy conditions, so yields are lower and the flavours more intense. Long dry autumns provide the right balance of warm days (creating ripeness) and cool nights (providing elegance) for producing top quality Pinot Noir and other early-ripening varieties. Winery Notes.