2022 Chard Farm Viper Pinot Noir

95 POINTS

Ken Gargett - Winepilot

The Viper Vineyard is located in the Parkburn Valley sub-region, more specifically on the western shores of Lake Dunstan. Those with ophidiophobia will be delighted to learn that the vineyard is named after the abundance of ‘vipers bugloss’, a local wildflower, and not the venomous reptiles. Mention snakes to a New Zealand fishing guide and I swear that they will jump higher than any Olympic high jumper (New Zealand being completely free of such reptiles). This is almost invariably my favourite of the Chard Farm Pinots, and this vintage is no exception. A pale crimson, this is an earthy and yet saline style of Pinot. Very much in the savoury style, there is a line of minerality backing it. Red fruits, florals, hints of matchstick and flint with some almond bitterness on the finish, intertwined with sour cherry notes. Good early complexity, satiny tannins and very good length, this is at least a six to ten year proposition.

95 POINTS

Emma Jenkins MW - Decanter

An attractive, red-fruited nose – cranberry, pomegranate and redcurrant – with beguiling florals and graphite/smoke notes. Quite a lot to explore on both nose and palate, there are lovely layers here. The palate is fresh and finely textured: lots of vivid fruit with minerally acidity and silky tannins adding good structure. Lovely energy and vitality, from a single-vineyard block on the elevated, east-facing Viper vineyard in Parkburn, overlooking Lake Dunstan. Another great example of John Wallace’s consistently thoughtful, characterful winemaking style.