2022 Nicks Secret Central Otago Bannockburn Pinot Noir

From a well know Central Otago producer, this Bannockburn Pinot Noir is their flagship wine known for its structure and ability to age. Certified organic it was aged in French oak barriques (19% new) for a period of 10 months.

A rich, generously fleshed yet structured Central Otago Pinot at a never-before-seen price.

Dark red in colour with black toned edges and a red to brick red tinged hue. Pronounced dark cherry, anise and dark plum aromas fill the olfactory senses with toasty vanillin cedar, earthy graphite, dried herb and spice notes also chiming in. The rich, generously fleshed, mid weighted palate is flooded with dark cherry, anise and dark plum flavours. Scorched earth, vanillin cedar, dried herb and spicy bramble characters extend across the back half. Supple yet structured with slightly chalky tannins imparting a graphite like feel across the long spicy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
The Estate’s Central Otago Pinot Noir, from the Bannockburn sub-region, is the wine on which the team hangs its hat. The vineyards providing the fruit for this wine were approaching three decades in age at the time of harvest, making them some of older vines in the region. From four discrete parcels and a range of clones, maturation was in barrels for a period of ten months, with 19% of the French oak barriques new. The wine spent a further six months in tank prior to bottling. Russet/garnet in colour, early complexity is already evident in this thoroughly enjoyable Pinot Noir. The nose gives us aromas weaving through spices, cranberries, herbs, cherries, leaf litter and red fruits. The oak handling is exemplary, and the wine has excellent length, with fine balance throughout. Finishing with very fine, satiny tannins, there is bright energy here. A Pinot for the long haul, it should be still providing immense pleasure in eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036.
94 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

Balanced, juicy and well-composed, this shows plenty of forest-berry and wet-stone aromas on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Textured and peppery on the palate with a vibrant finish. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com