McArthur Ridge McArthur Grand Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $80 
Clearly the stars were aligned and the gods were appeased above Alexandra in 2020 because viticulturist Murray Petrie was able to grow some very happy, satisfied grapes, fat with flavour that winemaker Matt Connell was able to wave his wizarding wand across and fashion into a pretty fancy pinot indeed. Heaving with hedgerow fruits and earthy spices, the McArthur has intense black tea and cherry concentration on the nose and palate, ripe, silky tannins and a long, lithe finish. It has a powerful presence and yet it’s ultra-inviting and seductively structured. Despite being designed for the long haul in the cellar, it’s drinking deliciously now.
