Central Otago

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: Lifted red fruit, violet and spicy blackcurrant aromatics. Followed by a suave, textural palate showing lots of density, complexity and persistence. Red cherry, plum, blackberry bramble and spice aromatics give way to a rich, warmly textured wine exuding lush fruit, softness, elegance and poise.

Reviews

Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times (August 2023), Outstanding: "A beguiling nose draws you in, earthy/humus notes, raspberry, spices, berry coulis, wisp of herb, intrigue. Wonderful definition, raspberry, cherry, berry fruit, savoury touches, depth to the fruit expression yet pinosity too. Delightful grainy character flows to super lip-smacking sapidity, flavours hanging in the mouth. Vibrant, refreshing and speaks of potential."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (July 2023), 96 Points: “Stylish and seductive, the wine shows dark plum, assorted nut, thyme, cured meat and rich floral aromas on the nose, followed by a wonderfully weighted palate displaying silky flow and fleshy texture. Tannins are fine and beautifully infused, making the wine gorgeously harmonious and persistent. A blend of grapes from Bannockburn, Earnscleugh & Gibbston Vineyards. Certified organic. At its best: 2025 to 2037.”

Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (July 2023), 96 Points: “#1 of 21 2022 Pinot Noir from Central Otago; Wine of the Week - July 24 "Rich, concentrated pinot noir with cassis, dark chocolate, ripe berry/blackberry and a smattering of spicy oak. Impressive intensity with fruit smothering ripe tannins and giving a boost to drinkability despite the wine's obvious ageing potential. Very impressive. 2023–2035."

New Zealand Wines: Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide (July 2023): "Certified organic, the impressive 2022 vintage (5*) was estate-grown at Bannockburn (47 per cent), Alexandra (31 per cent) and Gibbston (22 per cent), and matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (18 per cent new). Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with strong, youthful cherry, plum and spice flavours, oak complexity, and excellent depth, vibrancy and harmony. A very ageworthy red, it's well worth cellaring to mid-2025+."

ORGANIC

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Riesling

Tasting notes: Crushed rose petal, spicy ginger and lime aromatics. Followed by a focused, mineral driven palate with strength and an energetic finish. A lively and varietal wine that drinks well immediately but has the potential to age elegantly over the next 3-5 years.

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: Red fruit, dried herb and lifted spice aromatics. This wine displays great density, persistence and length. The mid palate density gives this elegant wine great poise.

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: This has quite an earthy, gamey, savoury nose with a core of warm raspberries, kirsch, roses and cloves with a waft of yeast extract. The light-bodied palate has lovely finesse and elegance and yet offers good intensity and persistence, with lovely ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of layers.

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Riesling

Tasting notes: Peach stone, frangipani and honeydew aromatics lead to a dry wet stone flavour profile showing phenolic floral drive and great balance.

VEGAN 

ORGANIC

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Background: Wild Irishman is a boutique wine label form Central Otago, New Zealand. Known for its picturesque mountains and lakes, the region also boasts some of the finest Pinot Noir vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere. The small ‘Doctors Flat’ vineyard is based in Bannockburn, one of the warmest sub regions of Central Otago. It is farmed organically and produces outstanding fruit year after year. Employing gentle winemaking techniques and showing total respect to this fruit, the Wild Irishman team has created this new release wine that has astounded not only us, but wine lovers across New Zealand and beyond. It is Bannockburn, but not as you know it. This wine excites us and shows us the new possibilities Bannockburn has to offer.

Tasting notes: Deep, ruby-red with a dark purple hue, slightly lighter edged. The nose is gentle with power, fragrances of dark cherries, plums building up in-depth, along with thyme, goji berry and red liquorice. The notes are subtle, and in harmony, black pepper unveil. Medium-full bodied, succulent aromas of dark plums, cherries, goji berries lead the palate, unfolding red liquorice, thyme and black pepper. The fruit is enlivened by bright acidity and freshness, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannin balance. The oak is integrated into the smooth palate, added subtle spices and interest, linger to a long elegant finish. This is a smooth dark-fruited Pinot Noir with fresh acidity on a balanced, velvety palate.

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: On the nose this wine is still shy but the dark cherry notes, earthiness and a hint of tobacco promise a more complex aroma and taste. The palate is slender and elegant, with a core of cherry fruit and bright acidity.

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: This vibrant Pinot Noir from New Zealand is juicy with an opulent core structure. It smells like bright red fruit, gravel, herbs, charred oak, spice and flowers. Expect flavours such as strawberries and red apple. Refreshing and thirst quenching. The finish is fine and structured. 

Region: New Zealand, Central Otago

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Tasting notes: Dark brooding, elegant and fleshy with a tight tensile profile showing great depth and drive. Whilst wine is approachable in its youth, it will be well rewarded with cellaring for 3-8 years.