Neil McCallum is one of the Martinborough wine region pioneers planting his vineyards on the free-draining gravelly terrace in the Wairarapa in 1979. Dry River quickly established a reputation as one of the finest producers in the country producing Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Syrah and Pinot Noir. McCallum retired in 2011 and the winemaking duties have been taken over by Wilco Lamb with Robert Willis and his team tending the vines. The vision of Neil McCallum is in good hands and Dry River continues to be one of New Zealand's most sought after wines.

Light ruby. After some initial woodiness on the nose, it settles into an ethereal, sweet bouquet of wild berry, dried flowers, rosehip and hibiscus, weaving through subtle spice and minerality.The palate flows outwards elegantly towards the delicately floral finish with blood orange and a sweet earthiness. Not a blockbuster, this mid-weight pinot noir has perfume, finesse, a certain Burgundian transparency and finesse. Date: Jan 2025; Drink: 2025–2040; Rating: 95 Points; The Real Review