The 2020 Aroha Pinot Noir from Craggy Range is a stunning expression of New Zealand Pinot Noir, grown on the upper terraces of the Te Muna Road Vineyard in Martinborough. This wine is a blend of complexity and harmony, with aromas of roasted cherry, pink peppercorns, and pomegranate molasses. On the palate, it delivers a silky flow of flavor, with fine tannins and a taut, fine structure. The use of 70% whole bunch fermentation adds an exotic spice to the wine, balancing the fruit's vibrancy. This is a wine that combines power with elegance, with impressive aging potential and a long, exciting future ahead. The 13.8% alcohol content and screwcap closure ensure a long life for this captivating Pinot Noir. A wine crafted with precision, reflecting the true potential of its terroir.

James Suckling | JS 97
Published: Nov 28, 2021

This is a very stylish, plump and fleshy pinot that has a sweetly spicy, floral and fragrant nose with ripe red and dark cherries, as well as sappy, forest leaves and gentle, earthy tones. Complex, young and fresh. The palate has such supple and sappy cherries and blueberries with a fresh, tangy line of acidity and a long, polished finish. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Aug 22, 2022
Drink: 2022-2030

One of two Craggy Range wines to join the Place de Bordeaux this year, the Pinot Noir-based Aroha alongside the Syrah-based Le Sol. Such a gorgeous perfumed fragrance on the nose; a wild flower garden, roses, violets, grass, juniper berry. So joyful on the palate, scented and fragrant, expressive but light and gentle, so graceful on the palate with a seriously juicy core that just gives lift to the whole palate. Focussed and direct, it's not weighty but delivers in a straight line of flavour with the aroma giving the expansiveness. Piercing yet airy, sweet cherry flavours dominate in terms of fruit with a touch of plum and hint of wild stewed strawberry with tiny hints of spice. Distinctly Pinot Noir and yet not at all Burgundian, a beautiful different expression. Leaves a lifted and lingering impression - this wine will put a smile on your face.
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 13.80%
Body: Medium
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir / Pinot Nero

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Sep 21, 2023
Drink: 2023-2035

The 2020 Aroha Pinot Noir leads with roasted cherry, pink peppercorns, Sichuan peppercorns and pomegranate molasses on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is taut and fine, with a silky flow of flavor that trickles through the fine tannic structure. All things are in place. It is both svelte and harmonious, powerful and long, and it's exciting drinking; the 70% whole bunch brings a swathe of exotic spice to the show and sits within the fruit and experience as a whole. This has a long future ahead, make no mistake. 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5+
Published: May 12, 2023
Drink: 2024-2031

Blueish crimson. Very pale rim. Savoury nose and really appetising. Juicy and vital. Definitely not classic burgundy (though slightly burgundy 2020!) but very well-balanced, intense, solar fruit. Difficult not to like. Crystallised violets? Still-youthful finish that’s lightly chewy, leathery. Very rich. 

Craggyrange.com

Aroha is a romantic word in Te Reo, Maori, meaning love. Reflective of its namesake, Aroha is handcrafted with passion from unique parcels of Pinot Noir grown on the upper terrace of our Te Muna Road Vineyard in Martinborough. The pedigree of particular blocks is paramount to the quality of this wine. At over 20 years of age, the balance in our best blocks, identified by a narrow band of clay over stone, straddles that line between power and beauty. When crafting this wine, we look for the quality of tannin to be the ultimate driver, and with Aroha, the velvet line provides unmistakable length. Less extraction in the winery and longer duration in barrel are constant progressions of our thought, as this wine reflects a world style of Pinot Noir that strives to sit in the top echelons of this variety.