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Forager Pinot Noir 2019 is made by Dom Maxwell, twice-awarded NZ Winemaker of the Year, and is also responsible for the celebrated Greystone range.
Whilst the styling and stylistic stamp is clearly evident on both labels, the real genius of Maxwell's art is to be found in this, his private release wine.
Putting my wine-geek propellor hat with al-foil inserts against the aliens for a moment - the over-riding principle is that whilst a traditional ferment inside a winery is a moderately stable process - the grapes here are left to ferment in open vats in between the rows of vines. Being outside and subject to constant changes in temperature, those wild yeasts could do a Will Smith at the drop of a hat. The resulting wine is one which is vastly more complex because of these variances and also a function of masterful competence on the part of the winemaker.
It has been broadly acknowledged that Greystone Pinot Noir is more ethereal than most of its regional neighbours. This is a certain contributor to Dom`s fame and success. The money-shot for me with Forager Pinot Noir 2019 is that despite being a wine that is undoubtedly unique as a result of its pioneering fermentation process - it also manifests that same Maxwell eloquence and gentility that the late Raymond Chan once referred to as his "stamp of mastery".
Those who enjoyed the 2018 will find the 2019 to be richer and a little wilder. It's more intense and concentrated, with a certain gravitas and focus that will outperform most of its contemporaries by a country mile. I know that its low hanging fruit but its interesting to note that this wine enjoys the same rating from Bob Campbell as the likes of Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2019 at $125 per bottle. Stylistically they could not be more different from each other in my books, but the value proposition today speaks for itself...
The Wine:
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