…classic Martinborough

Nga Waka Wines was established by Roger Parkinson and his family back in 1988. Roger’s wines respect and celebrate 'terroir'; the understanding that a wine expresses and reflects its ‘sense of place’. The winery name Nga Waka was chosen to reflect this sense of place. Taken from Nga Waka A Kupe (The Canoes of Kupe), the three hills, which lie like upturned canoes, forming a backdrop to the town of Martinborough. Roger crafts character wines, with excellent structure, texture and balance. Nga Waka’s vineyards are all accredited to Sustainable Winegrowing NZ, reflecting the importance attached to sustainable practices and preserving the land for future generations.
As the fruit came into the winery, approximately 10% was whole bunch fermented, with the balance being de-stemmed before having a maceration time of around 21 days. The wine then went into tight-grained French oak barriques, where it went through malolactic fermentation, with 25% being new oak to give structure and balance to the fruit. The wine spent 12 months developing and maturing in oak barrels, before being bottled un-fined and un-filtered, so don’t be surprised if you age, it throws a thin deposit. This is an honest varietal expression of all that is good in Pinot Noir. This wine reflects 2021 in Martinborough and the resulting wine has big-hearted varietal flavours and most importantly balance.

★ As you pour, you have a deep plum colour with a slight crimson hue. On the nose you are greeted by dark cherries, fresh violets, dried herbs along with subtle earthy & cacao undertones. The medium weight palate is generous in character, expressing classic Martinborough Pinot Noir flavours of dark cherries, red plums and a hint of truffle all nicely wrapped with fine tannins and deft oak from diligent barrel development. Resulting in a well-structured, layered wine kept focused by varietal fruit acidity that is giving a upbeat dismount on the finish.

This 2021 Nga Waka ‘Martinborough’ Pinot Noir has 14% Alc./vol. A classic dry style. Decant for 30-45 minutes and serve in an appropriately shaped red wine glass at 16°- 17°C. • *NZ$40.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 6/3/25)
With medium decanting drinking this season, though it would appreciate another 12 months and will repay nicely 3 - 5 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with lamb cutlets, roast pork w/ crackling, classic Peking duck, mushroom pasta, prosciutto pizza, varied earthy vegetarian options & pork pâté on toast - enjoy.