Aroha Te Muna Pinot Noir 2022 by Craggy Range is one of the top Pinot Noirs from the famous Martinborough region, and both critics and wine lovers are raving about it. It’s a beautiful expression of the grape, with vibrant strawberry aromas and elegant floral notes. With 93 points from James Suckling and 92 from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, this is a must-try!
Craggy Range was founded by Terry Peabody and his wife Mary, who wanted to leave behind a wine legacy for future generations. Terry’s vision was to grow grapes in his own vineyards to ensure quality from vineyard to bottle. In 1997, he met Steve Smith MW, and they shared the same philosophy: to craft wines that would define the New World by planting each variety in the site that best showcases its character. The winery was established in 1998 at the foot of Te Mata Peak in Hawke’s Bay and quickly became the most advanced winery in the region.
Martinborough has earned its reputation as one of New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir regions. Craggy Range wines are known for their intense fruit, structure, and balance, and they consistently receive high praise from top critics like James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator.
Aroha Te Muna Pinot Noir 2022 is a standout, made from the best vineyard blocks at the highest point of Te Muna, from vines over 20 years old. The vineyard’s soil adds a refined elegance to the wine. The wine fermented with ambient yeasts in a mix of stainless steel and French oak tanks, then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (35% new). It’s bottled unfiltered, resulting in a wine with impressive complexity, aromatic intensity, power, and finesse.
We’re always intrigued by the scores, but we prefer to taste first and decide for ourselves. In this case, the verdict was unanimous: you won’t get enough of it! It’s perfect to enjoy now—but if you can hold off, it’ll be even more amazing in 3 to 5 years.
