Offers a beautiful, steady stream of blood orange, bitter cherry and raspberry coulis notes stitched finely with subtle rooibos tea, singed sandalwood, dried anise and savory details. Feels pinpoint in focus, with serious length on the finish thanks to the nicely buried mineral tension. Drink now through 2038. 586 cases made.
96 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Sep 2024)
Snappy, exuberant aromas of black raspberry and cherry draw the nose into this bottling, and then lines of cinnamon and lemon peel add elegance to the lush core. The palate is zesty, candied and refreshing, carrying cherry, strawberry, red spice and white pepper into a long-lasting finish.
96 points, Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2024)
Lastly, the 2022 Pinot Noir Machado has a juicy, upfront nose of wild strawberry and framboise-like fruit as well as spring flowers, violets, and baking spices. Shining for its remarkable purity and freshness, it has medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's much closer to the 459 in style than the Perilune (although these each have their own unique style) and is one for those who love the more pure, lively, fruit-driven style of Pinot Noir. 761 cases.
95 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
Greg Brewer started making the Machado designate wines as a counter to the 3D bottlings, beginning in 2008. The 7ha block is in good company adjacent to the famed Clos Pepe site. Redolent with ripe berries and spice aromas, elements of ripe raspberries, mint leaves and exotic brown spices leap forth. The palate is generous, as black tea melds with blue and blackberry fruits; there are feral elements from the whole cluster and a mineral saline tone that cuts across the entire affair. Raspberry leaf savouriness lifts to the finish.
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (May 2024)