Nga Waka Three Paddles Pinot Noir / 2024 / 750mL

The Nga Waka Three Paddles Pinot Noir 2024 is a bright, medium-bodied Martinborough red built for drinking rather than cellaring. Expect clear varietal fruit and a fine-boned structure typical of the district's free-draining river terraces.

Aromatically it leads with red cherry, raspberry and a little crushed violet, with a savoury edge of dried thyme and forest floor sitting underneath. Give it ten minutes in the glass and a subtle spice note comes through.

The palate is supple and fresh, with juicy red fruit carried by tannins that are present but soft, more silk than grip. Acidity keeps it lively through the middle, and the finish is dry and gently earthy, closing on sour cherry rather than sweetness. It sits at the lighter, more fragrant end of Pinot Noir, which makes it easy to pour a second glass.

Serve it slightly cool with roast duck, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon or a plate of charcuterie. It also handles a Sunday roast chicken without dominating the table, and suits richer vegetarian dishes built on lentils or beetroot.

Drink the Three Paddles Pinot Noir 2024 now and over the next three to four years, while the perfume is at its most expressive.