The 2019 Luna Eclipse Pinot Noir is a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Martinborough in New Zealand’s Wairarapa, sourced from the Eclipse Vineyard’s original 1992 plantings in Blocks One and Four. Situated on the celebrated Martinborough Terrace, this site provides the foundation for one of Luna’s distinctive vineyard expressions. The fruit was hand harvested on 15 and 18 March 2019, then fermented with native yeasts, preserving a high proportion of whole berries alongside approximately 15% whole bunches. Maturation followed for 12 months in French oak puncheons, around 20% new, before bottling without fining or filtration.
The 2019 combines red cherry, raspberry, plum and violet with dried herbs, baking spice and earthy, savoury detail. A challenging spring reduced yields, but a warm, relatively dry summer and favourable picking conditions delivered excellent fruit according to the estate. Bob Campbell MW awarded 95 Points, highlighting its delicate floral character, purity and subtle power, while Cameron Douglas MS awarded 94 Points, noting ripe berries, floral complexity, chalky tannins and a fresh acid backbone. The wine balances a generous, smooth texture with structure and mineral definition, giving it both immediate appeal and the foundations for further bottle development.
