2017 Peregrine Pinot Noir Organic Museum Release, Central Otago

Aged patiently before release, this museum bottling shows how gracefully Central Otago Pinot can evolve. Peregrine farms organically in the dramatic alpine basin of Gibbston and Bendigo, where schist soils, intense sunlight and freezing nights shape fruit with both power and acidity. Time in bottle has softened the edges and woven the elements together, turning youthful energy into savoury complexity while preserving the region’s bright core.

Winemaking was always geared toward longevity. Careful extraction built fine tannin and structure, and maturation added quiet spice without obscuring the vineyard voice. Extended cellaring has allowed the wine to open slowly, revealing layers that only time can unlock.

Garnet edged ruby in colour, the aromas unfold with dried cherry, cranberry and plum layered with forest floor, spice and earthy notes. The palate is medium bodied and silky, with mature red fruit wrapped in fine, resolved tannins and fresh acidity. Flavours of berry, mushroom and savoury herbs carry into a long, graceful finish.

It pairs beautifully with duck, game, mushroom dishes and slow roasted meats. Drinking at a beautiful point now, it will continue to evolve over the next five to eight years.