2021 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir, Central Otago

This flagship Two Paddocks Pinot Noir is a barrel selection from organically grown grapes from the Neill family’s four vineyards: The Fusilier in Bannockburn, The Last Chance and The Red Bank in Earnscleugh, and The First Paddock in Gibbston. The 2021 growing season started cold and wet, with some frost fighting into the early spring. Dry, warm weather followed, allowing for steady vine shoot growth, making way for stable, warm conditions in the summer and autumn (with no heat spikes), right up to harvest. These conditions have resulted in superb, very finely balanced wines here. As in previous vintages, 46% whole bunches went into the fermentation vats for this Two Paddocks cuvée, and the wine aged for 10 months in French barriques (18% new oak).
Mid ruby-purple in the glass, the nose is incredibly perfumed and intense, with layers of blackberry, violet and spice. Palate is full bodied and richly textured,, having excellent structure and intense luminosity of fruit. This is an elegant, fresh, tightly-knit wine with silky tannins and super length (for drinking 2023-2030+).