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The Land

At the edge of Lake Wānaka, Rippon’s vineyards lie in one of Central Otago’s most breathtaking and challenging terroirs. The vines dig deep into schist soils—ancient rock fractured over millennia—drawing up mineral intensity and structure. The lake moderates temperatures, protecting against frost, while long, sunny days and cool alpine nights create a slow ripening cycle, allowing Pinot Noir to develop remarkable purity and depth.

The Wine

The Rippon “Mature Vine” Pinot Noir is a wine of precision and soul, sourced from Rippon’s oldest vines, now deeply rooted in the estate’s schist-dominant soils. A balance of elegance and power, it opens with lifted aromas of wild blackberry, red cherry, and rose petal, layered with earth, spice, and a whisper of graphite. The palate is finely etched, with silky tannins framing a core of dark fruit, umami, and wet stone. There’s an effortless energy here—fresh acidity weaving through the structure, leading to a finish that lingers with quiet intensity. A Pinot Noir of place, patience, and undeniable presence.

The People

Rippon is more than a winery; it is a family legacy. The Mills family has stewarded this land for generations, embracing biodynamic farming and a deep, almost spiritual connection to the soil. Nick Mills, following in the footsteps of his parents, works with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard to speak with clarity. The “Mature Vine” Pinot Noir is a result of that philosophy—an expression of trust in the land, time-honored farming, and the slow, thoughtful craft of winemaking.

Biodynamic

Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru 2018

Rippon "Mature Vine" Pinot Noir 2020