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.