Central Otago's Rippon is unequivocally a "grand cru" New Zealand estate by any measure, even aesthetic, as it's arguably the most beautiful wine estate in the world, situated on the shores of the iconic Lake Wanaka with the South Island's Alps as a jaw-dropping backdrop.A family run estate since their founding, the Rippon Pinot Noirs represente the very top echelon of the country's offerings in that category and set the bar vintage after vintage for the cream of Central Otago's crop.
Our first allocation of the newly released 2021s has just landed, and it's safe to say that these are once again world-class offerings with stratospheric critical accolades that can compete with virtually any Pinot Noir in the world, from Burgundy, Sonoma, or anywhere else. Leading off, the flagship 2021 Mature Vines boasts 97 points from James Suckling, while it's a "gorgeous" offering that "expounds mineral freshness and detail in spades" according to Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin. Taking the estate profile to another level of nuance and detail, the single-block bottlings, always highly acclaimed and highly limited, are collectible stunners of the first order. The WA98 Tinker's Field "is a wine of impact and tremendous grace," while the JS97 Emma's Block is "mineral, detailed, and quietly spoken," each wine offering a distinct side of the Rippon estate's personality.
For any collector of reference-point, singular Pinot Noirs, Rippon belongs on your short list. If you haven't yet discovered them, do yourself a favor and make some room in the cellar next to your other trophy bottlings, as these mesmerizing gems will cruise in dynamic fashion with the best of the best.
A clear and beautiful wine with very integrated tannins that frame the wine nicely, yet it's medium-bodied with a juicy and flavorful palate of plums and strawberries with some orange undertones. Fall 2024 release. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.
97 points, James Suckling (Oct 2023)
The 2021 Emma's Block Mature Vine Pinot Noir is mineral, detailed and quietly spoken, with a profusion of crushed shells, white flowers, red berries and spices that seem to morph and linger over the long finish. What a wine. The single-vineyard offerings tend to elicit preference from me, yet each Pinot Noir satisfies a mood within. Today, with the rain on the roof and wafts of petrichor creeping in from outside, I think this fits hand in glove with today. This is a beauty. These only get better in time. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under Diam.
96+ points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Jun 2025)
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