Wild Earth Reserve ‘Earth and Sky’ Pinot Noir 2022

The 2021-2022 growing season was relatively warm overall with a mild start to spring that was slightly wetter than average, followed by warm, dry weather at flowering resulting in excellent yields and high quality. January was warm and dry, followed by a wet February and then a brilliant, dry and warm March. The season is somewhat reminiscent of the exceptional 2019 vintage.

Only the very best grapes from vineyards in the well renowned Bannockburn area are selected to produce this ‘Earth and Sky’ Pinot Noir 2022. This wine is a blend of three Bannockburn vineyards ranging from 12 to 24 years old. One site is situated at the end of Felton Road. The second site borders the Bannockburn Sluicings, a distinctive geographic landmark that is steeped in mining history, and the third is on the Cairnmuir side with sandier soils. The grapes from these vineyards were fermented separately with a range of 0-33% whole clusters with the resulting blend having around 20% whole clusters which aids the tannin structure and aromatics of the wine. The total time on skins ranges from 21-28 days. The wine was aged for approximately 11 months in fine grain French oak barriques with 25% new and the rest ranging from 2-5 years old.

This wine is vegan.

Alcohol: 14%
PH: 3.62
T.A. 5.6 g/L
Residual Sugar: dry

Awards and reviews

Gold medal – The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2023

Gold medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2023

97 points, 5 stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (May 2023)
“Offering fabulous fruit purity with seductive complexity, the wine shows dark cherry, sweet plum, thyme, smoky bacon and cedar aromas. The palate delivers outstanding concentration and silky flow, wonderfully complemented by refined texture and beautifully infused tannins. Harmonious and seamless with a persistent velvety finish. At its best: now to 2034”.

5 stars – Michael Cooper (June 2023)
“The highly refined 2022 vintage (5*) was grown at three sites in Bannockburn and matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (25 per cent new). Attractively perfumed, it is full-bodied, sweet-fruited and silky-textured, with strong, cherryish, gently spicy flavours, complex, savoury, very smooth and harmonious. An elegant, seamless red, highly approachable in its youth, it should be at its best 2026+”.

94 points, excellent – Cam Douglas MS (May 2023)
“A complex and intriguing bouquet with scents of ash and black cherry, wood smoke and stone, clove and nutmeg, fresh roses and red apple skin. Delicious on the palate with a salivating polished tannins line, fruit flavours mirror the bouquet with a core of freshness then flavours of barrel for contrast and complexity. There’s a saline quality and flinty tickle of youth. A lovely example, well made, lengthy and ready to drink best from mid to late 2024 through 2030+.”

18.5/20 – Joelle Thomson (May 2023)
“Wild Earth’s Reserve Pinot Noir is the evocatively named Earth and Sky. It is a beautiful bright ruby colour with bold fruity aromas leading into a dry wine with bright acidity adding a taut support framework to this complex and youthful Pinot Noir. The wine was aged for 11 months in French oak, just 25% new, which flatters the wine, adding smoothness and a light touch of spice while the inclusion of whole clusters adds depth of flavour and accentuates the fresh cherry flavours. This wine will evolve beautifully for up to a decade”.

19.0/20, 95 pts, 5 stars – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (May 2023)
“Medium ruby-black, lighter on the rim. The bouquet is elegant and gently full, with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and plum, entwined with spice and floral elements. Medium-full bodied, aromas of Bing and black cherry, raspberry and plum are integrated, presented with weight and concentration, unveiling savoury nuances of mushroom, liquorice, thyme, and whole bunches fragrance of violet and cinnamon. The cool-climate acidity contributes a vibrant line of freshness and uplifts the concentrated, rich palate. Supple, fine tannins adorned a velvety mouthfeel. This silky Pinot Noir possesses a complex range of fruit, spice, floral and savoury elements on an elegantly presented mouthfeel with depth and harmony. Match with venison tataki and rack of lamb over the next 8+ years. Fruit from three vineyards in Bannockburn, fermented separately with a range of 0-33% whole bunches, resulting in around 20% whole bunch, total time on skins from 21-28 days, aged approx 11 months in French oak barriques, 25% new oak, the balance in 2-5-year-old. 14% alc. 19/20 pts (95 pts,  5 stars)”

93 points, 4.5 stars – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (May 2023)
“Light, fresh and mouth-watering wine with a mix of floral (rose petal and violet) and fruit (dark cherry, plum and dark berry) flavours together with spice, thyme and subtle savoury characters. Supple and appealing pinot”.

92 points, outstanding – James Suckling (March 2024)
“Enticing aromas of ripe strawberries and some citrus follow-through to a medium body with fine tannins and crunchy fruit. Just the right amount of bitterness at the end. Some chocolate undertones. Delicious. Why wait? Drink now”.