2021 Chard Farm The Tiger Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Bright ruby with purple glints to the edge. Black cherry, cola and dark slate aromatics. Fills the palate with intense, fragrant red fruits that meld with exotic spices and a dark slate minerality that adds further to the appeal. Tannins are powdery, ensuring it remains focused and offers tension from start to finish. Serious intent and delivery here 23 Oct 2023 Drink 2023–2033

97 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com

#3 of 1382021 Pinot Noir from Central Otago

Chard Farm The Tiger Pinot Noir from Central Otago is a bold yet beautifully balanced single-site expression that captures the intensity, wildness, and grace of its namesake vineyard. Grown on a steep north-facing slope above the Kawarau River near Gibbston, The Tiger Vineyard produces Pinot Noir with vivid aromatics, fine structure, and a mineral edge that speaks clearly of its rugged, high-altitude setting.

Chard Farm, one of the region’s founding wineries, has long been at the forefront of site-driven Pinot in Central Otago. Winemaker John Wallace works with a light touch and a strong focus on vineyard character—allowing the distinct soils, exposure, and microclimate of The Tiger to define the wine’s shape and personality.

Fruit is handpicked and fermented in small open-top fermenters with a mix of whole berries and whole bunches, then aged in French oak barrels, typically with a restrained percentage of new oak. The result is a wine with depth and presence, but always grounded in freshness and purity.

In the glass, The Tiger Pinot Noir shows a dark-fruited, spicy profile—black cherry, plum skin, forest herbs, and hints of violet and clove. The palate is sleek and savoury with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral finish that gives the wine both energy and gravitas.

This is Pinot Noir with real tension and flair—built to evolve over time, but also captivating in its youth with dishes like wild mushroom risotto, duck confit, or grilled venison.