Vintage 2023

We are gearing up for vintage 2023 - this is the time of year when our grapes are getting close to picking. Timing is critical when choosing the right harvest date. This harvest decision is based on sugar levels, acidity, and flavour of the grapes with the wine-making and viticultural teams keeping a close eye on the fruit at this critical part of the season, we are not going to jinx this year’s harvest by making any early predictions – so we’ll let you judge for yourselves how the fruit is looking.

Meanwhile, whilst we are waiting for the harvest button to be pushed, you might find us tucked up by the fire ‘looking’ at our previous successes. We think that you will agree that they are ‘looking’ and tasting pretty delicious. In the wine industry, we don’t drink wine when tasting. Rather, we ‘look’ at the wine - sometimes more than once in the same day.

What makes Central Otago Pinot Noir so good

Central Otago Pinot Noir has gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality and distinctive character. The wine-growing region, located in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island, possesses unique features that contribute to the excellence of its Pinot Noir. Several key factors make Central Otago Pinot Noir so good.

First and foremost, Central Otago's cool-climate conditions provide an ideal environment for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The region's short, intense growing season with long daylight hours and significant diurnal temperature variation allows the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavours. The cool climate also helps to preserve acidity in the grapes, resulting in balanced wines with vibrant freshness.

The region's diverse mesoclimates and varied terroir are additional factors that contribute to the excellence of Central Otago Pinot Noir. With a range of altitudes, microclimates, and soil types, each sub-region within Central Otago brings its own unique characteristics to the wines. The schist-based soils prevalent in the region provide excellent drainage and impart mineral qualities to the wines, adding complexity and depth.

Central Otago's winemakers are renowned for their dedication to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir. They possess a deep understanding of the region's terroir and have honed their skills to work in harmony with the unique characteristics of the grapes. Many producers practice sustainable viticulture and meticulous vineyard management, ensuring that only the best fruit is selected for winemaking.

The resulting Central Otago Pinot Noir wines exhibit remarkable qualities. They are known for their intense aromatics, with vibrant red fruit flavours of cherry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, earth, and floral undertones. The wines display a beautiful balance between fruit concentration, acidity, and fine-grained tannins, creating an elegant and harmonious palate.

Central Otago Pinot Noir's consistent quality and distinctive character have placed it among the finest expressions of this grape variety worldwide. Its ability to capture the essence of the region's unique climate and terroir, combined with the expertise and passion of its winemakers, sets it apart. Central Otago Pinot Noir offers wine enthusiasts a captivating experience and exemplifies the potential of New Zealand's wine industry.