2022 Cloudy Bay Te Wahi Pinot Noir, Central Otago

A polished pinot with black cherry, plum and spice flavours sandwiched between refreshing notes of herbal tea and the richness of nutty, creamy oak. The creamy richness and ripeness give this early accessibility but there is weight and generosity right to the finish, with ample concentration and brooding depth which will need time to reveal its true qualities 21 Jan 2026 Drink 2027–2038

95 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

From the dramatic subregions of Central Otago, Cloudy Bay Te Wahi Pinot Noir is a more serious, site driven expression that sits apart from the winery’s Marlborough roots. Te Wahi, meaning the place in Māori, draws fruit primarily from Bendigo and Northburn, where schist soils, altitude and extreme diurnal shifts shape Pinot Noir of depth, structure and mineral intensity. Cloudy Bay applies the same precision and attention to detail here, crafting a wine that balances power with refinement.

A deep ruby garnet with brilliant clarity fills the glass. Aromas unfold with dark cherry, black plum and wild thyme layered with violet, baking spice and a subtle earthy mineral note. There is an immediate sense of concentration, yet lifted by a cool, herbal edge that speaks clearly of Central Otago.

The palate is medium to full bodied and finely structured, delivering rich red and dark berry fruit framed by firm, polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of cranberry, spice and schist driven minerality build through the mid palate, leading to a long, savoury finish that feels both powerful and composed. This is a Pinot Noir built for the cellar, evolving beautifully over ten to fifteen years into layers of truffle, dried herbs and complex earthy depth.

Duck breast with a cherry glaze, venison cooked over open flame, or slow roasted mushrooms with thyme and garlic shared as the evening deepens. A shift into something cinematic, Max Richter’s recomposed Vivaldi or even Nick Cave’s Ghosteen, the wine holding that same sense of drama, tension and quiet intensity.