Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2019

This Pinot Noir is Central Otago representing the best attributes of the 2019 season. The fruit was hand harvested at optimal ripeness with harvest dates ranging from early to late April 2019. Eight ferments went into the blend ranging from 0-50% whole bunches per fermenter with the resulting blend having around 21% whole clusters, which aids the tannin structure and aromatics of the wine. The total time on skins ranging from 18-28 days. The wine was aged in fine grain French oak: 22% new, 33% 1 year old and 45% 2-5 year old barriques for approximately 12 months. Our winemaker selected fruit from four exceptional vineyards in Central Otago with an emphasis on cooler sites to create a fresh and elegant wine that will age gracefully.

This wine is vegan.

Alcohol: 13.5%
PH: 3.64
TA: 5.3 g/L
RS: dry

Awards and Reviews
95 points, 5 stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Oct 2020
“It’s wonderfully ripe and elegantly perfumed on the nose showing sweet cherry, violet, cedar and warm spice aromas on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying, displaying excellent weight and intensity, together with refined mouthfeel and silky texture, leading to an impressively long velvety finish. Magnificently composed and sensually appealing. At its best: now to 2029”.

18.5+/20, 5 stars – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, Sept 2020
“Vibrant ruby-red with some depth, slightly lighter on edge with a deep-purple hue. The nose is elegantly in proportion, with fragrant, intense nuances of sweet-scented black cherries, red berries, melded with an amalgam of delicate spices, unfolding dark florals and aromatic tree bark. Medium-bodied, the palate is poised, sweet-fruited flavours of black cherries, red berries form a concentrated core with a savoury undertone. Mouthwatering minerals entwined deep florals, thyme and an amalgam of spices linger to linearity. The wine is in well-proportion of flavours; the sweet-scented fruit is concentrated with good intensity and depth; balanced by a savoury earth element. The mouthfeel is refined and elegant, possess dusty fine-grained tannin, underlying smooth, lacy acidity. The wine carries a sleek lingering finish. Match with smoked duck breast and roasted quail over the next 4-6 years. Fermented to 13.5% alc, around 21% whole bunches. Aged in French oak for approx 12 months, 22% new”.

4.5 stars – Winestate Magazine (Michael Cooper), Oct 2020
“Fresh, youthful, savoury and supple, this regional blend was hand-picked and matured in French oak barriques (22% new).  Bright ruby, it is very harmonious, with vibrant cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing good complexity, and a smooth finish”.

93 points, Silver, Top 4 Central Otago – International Wine Challenge, UK, May 2021
“Delicate and restrained with soft tannins, gingerbread hints. Well poised with a lot of elegance”.

93 points, excellent – Cameron Douglas MS, Sept 2020
“Enticing, dark fruited bouquet with a steely, mineral & dried herb with baking spices of oak. Flavours of dark berries and dried raspberry, plum and baking spices. A violet and dried thyme flavours adding complexity and depth. Firm youthful tannins with a chalky mouthfeel, medium+ acidity and satisfying varietal and and earthy finish. Well made and ready to enjoy from 2021 through 2026+”.

91 points, Outstanding – Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, March 2021
“You can expect elegance and purity of fruit in this sappy Pinot Noir. There’s plenty of aromatic lift, with around one-fifth of the fruit whole- bunch fermented, giving anise and thyme seasoning to the damson and black cherry fruit. Light in body and rather delicate, offering lots of concentration on the midpalate. Oak use is subtle, adding a savory cedar note beneath the fruit. The combination of fresh acidity and taut chalky tannins provides purpose on the medium-length finish”.

91 points, 4 stars – Bob Campbell MW, Sept 2020
“Bright, tangy and obviously youthful pinot noir with violet, cherry, thyme, anise and spicy oak flavours. A high-energy wine with good purity, a peppery texture and a pleasantly drying finish”.

Silver – International Wine & Spirit Competition, UK, Oct 2020
“Plump raspberry, orange pith and sour cherry on the nose with a silky, savoury undertone. Tangy fruit on the palate which is well structured”.

Silver – Decanter World Wine Awards, UK, July 2021
“Dark cherry and mocha aromas are allied to oaky notes. Complex palate, juicy ripe berries, savoury elements and fresh finish”.