Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2023

Vintage notes
The 2022-2023 growing season was relatively warm overall with “normal” spring weather leading to a summer that was drier than average. Weather at flowering was warm and dry resulting in excellent yields and high quality. January was warm and dry, followed by a welcome rain event in February and then a brilliant, dry, and warm March. It was overall drier than 2022 but had a similar warmer feel to it.

Wine making notes
Winemaking NotesWild Earth Pinot Noir 2023 is a Central Otago blend that represents the best attributes of the excellent 2023 vintage. The fruit was hand-harvested at optimal ripeness with harvest dates ranging from late March to late April 2023. Several different ferments went into the blend ranging from 0-40% whole bunches per fermenter with the resulting blend having around 25% whole bunch, which aids the tannin structure and aromatics of the wine. The total time on skins ranges from 18-28 days. The wine was aged in fine-grain French oak barrels (20% new) for approximately 12 months. Our winemaker, Jen Parr, selected fruit from exceptional Central Otago vineyards in Pisa, Bendigo, Gibbston and Bannockburn showcasing the high quality of the season.

This wine is vegan.

Alcohol: 13.5%
PH: 3.46
T.A: 6.0
Residual Sugar: dry

Awards and reviews

TROPHY (Regional winner), Gold Medal, Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition 2025

GOLD medal, New Zealand International Wine Show 2025

96 points, 5 stars,  exceptional – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
“Combining gorgeous fruit purity with elegant complexity, the wine shows dark cherry, blueberry, violet, warm spice, and toasted almond nuances. It’s wonderfully weighted and finely flowing in the mouth, delivering plump mouthfeel, backed by layers of fine tannins, finishing structured and sturdy. Wonderfully composed with splendid harmony and persistence”.

5 out of 5 stars – Michael Cooper
“This consistently impressive regional blend is hand-harvested and barrel-matured.  The 2023 vintage (*****) should be long-lived.  Deep, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, vibrant, savoury and complex, with concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, well-integrated oak, and a finely structured, long finish.  It needs time; best drinking mid-2027+.”

94 points, Top 3 Central Otago, International Wine Challenge 2025 (UK)
“Lovely depth of colour with concentrated and ripe dark cherry aromatics. Energetic and vital palate of red and blackberry fruits. Lovely freshness”.

18.5 / 20 points – Joelle Thomson
“This Central Otago Pinot Noir is playful and seemingly light, revealing its focus in a layered wine with a silky backbone of vibrant fruit that keeps it accessible in taste as the first bright red cherries dance across the palate. This primary fruit is supported by a juicy structure of freshness that keeps flavours playful but grounded. In the glass, the colour is a gorgeous deep ruby hue, with aromas of fresh dark cherries, black currant, plums, a whiff of cedar and a sprinkle of wild thyme, for good measure. The bottom line? This Pinot Noir drinks beautifully now, showing finesse and appealing flavours but it is also clearly built to go the distance of 10+ years”.

5 stars, 93 points, 18.5/20 pts – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
“Moderately deep crimson, even colour throughout. The nose is broody, with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, thyme, rocky minerals and spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of red cherry and blackberry intertwined with mulberry, thyme, minerals and cinnamon. The fruit is fragrant with balanced ripeness, enriched by silky tannin extraction, lending an enticing, elegant finish. This Pinot Noir is finely structured, featuring pure fruit and harmony. Match with duck breast and lamb loin over the next 5+ years. Fermented to 13.5% alc. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts)”.

92 points, premium – Cameron Douglas MS
“Aromas and flavours of plum and cherry, some compote and minera. There’s a mushroom and clay quality then some fruit and barrel spice layers adding complexity and breadth. A lighter weighted wine with medium concentration, fine tannins and plenty of acidity for freshness and impact. Well made, a wine to let develop for another year with best drinking from mid 2026 through 2030”.

91 points, outstanding – James Suckling, March 2024
“This pinot opens with aromas of dark cherries, aromatic herbs and a subtle earthy note. The palate is medium-bodied, displaying lovely tension, refreshing acidity and fine-grained tannins. Incisive, approachable and fun. Drink now”.

Silver – Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, UK
“Floral-edged black cherry and raspberry aromas with Kalamata olive notes. Excellent structure and backbone with impressive freshness to the bold fruit”.

Silver – 2025 National Wine Awards New Zealand

90 points – Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
“2023 Pinot Noir is a saturated dark ruby in the glass, darker than the 2022 poured alongside. Here, the nose leads with moss and mulberry, blood plum and fresh leather, raspberry and a hint of dark chocolate. In the mouth, the wine is full of flavor and freshness, with the tannins a textural support rathe than a roadblock—the fruit flows effortlessly through. This is a really impressive offering here, and I do prefer it to the 2022 next to it. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap”.