2023 Domaine Thomson Surveyor Thompson Pinot Noir, Otago

Wonderfully composed and styled, the wine shows Black Doris plum, sweet cherry, warm spice, cured meat, mushroom, and toasted almond characters on the nose. The palate exhibits excellent concentration, plush texture and layers of fine tannins, making it wonderfully harmonious and flowing to a persistent, refined finish.

96 points Sam Kim for Wine Orbit

Domaine Thomson is the vision of the Thomson family, whose passion for Pinot Noir led them to the rugged landscapes of Central Otago, one of the world's southernmost wine regions. Inspired by family ancestor and surveyor John Turnbull Thomson, whose pioneering work helped map much of New Zealand's South Island, the Surveyor Thomson range celebrates exploration, place and the remarkable character of Central Otago's cool climate vineyards.

The 2023 vintage delivered exceptional conditions for Pinot Noir, with warm days, cool nights and a long ripening season producing fruit of outstanding purity and balance. Carefully selected vineyard parcels were handled with a light touch to preserve vibrant aromatics, fine tannins and the distinctive energy that has made Central Otago famous for world-class Pinot Noir.

Bright ruby with crimson highlights, the bouquet reveals aromas of wild cherry, raspberry and plum layered with thyme, baking spice and subtle forest floor notes. The palate is silky and beautifully composed, combining vibrant red and dark berry fruits with fine tannins, lively acidity and a savoury mineral edge. Elegant yet quietly powerful, the finish is long, refined and lingers with spice, dried herbs and classic Central Otago character.

A superb partner for roast duck, venison loin, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses. Beautifully expressive in its youth, this refined Pinot Noir will continue to evolve gracefully over the next six to eight years.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033.