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.

Winemaker Wilco describes 2020 as a great vintage. The wine certainly endorses his enthusiasm. It's an intense, powerful and yet surprisingly accessible pinot noir, with layers of cherry, berry, spice and savoury flavours that are indescribably delicious and which promise to get even better with bottle age. A very serious pinot noir. Deserves to be aerated, especially in its youth. Drink 2022-2040; Rating: 98 Points; Bob Campbell MW; The Real Review