2024 High Garden Pinot Noir, Gibbston Valley

Medium-deep, bright ruby colour with a strong tint of purple; the bouquet is fresh and fruit driven, with bright raspberry, red cherry and balsamic herb nuances, showing impressive detail for such a young pinot, and the palate is concentrated and powerful, with impressive depth of flavour and detail, line and length, wonderful sweetly ripe berry fruit flavours and tremendous persistence. This is a stunning pinot noir with terrific detail allied to power, length and serious structure. Great drinking now, and will surely age superbly. 15 Nov 2025 Drink 2025–2040

98 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Perched among the rugged terraces of Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley, High Garden explores the cooler and more structured side of Pinot Noir. The project is guided by Robin Tedder MW, a Master of Wine known for his deep understanding of site and his thoughtful, hands off winemaking style. The vineyards lie in one of Central Otago’s highest and coolest subregions where schist rich soils, alpine winds and long slow ripening seasons shape Pinot Noir with finesse and aromatic lift. Gibbston Valley has earned a reputation for producing Pinot Noir with tension, perfume and savoury detail rather than sheer power. Tedder’s philosophy focuses on letting the vineyard speak clearly, using careful fermentation and measured oak maturation to preserve the delicate fruit and mineral character that define the site.

A bright translucent ruby colour introduces a fragrant bouquet of red cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry layered with rose petal, dried thyme and subtle spice. The cooler climate character of Gibbston Valley shows beautifully with lifted aromatics and fine structure. The palate is supple yet precise, delivering vibrant red berry fruit balanced by silky tannins and lively acidity. Hints of forest floor, crushed herbs and a gentle mineral edge add complexity through a long elegant finish. This style of Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with duck breast, roast quail, grilled salmon or earthy mushroom dishes. With time in the cellar it will develop further savoury depth over the next ten to fifteen years while retaining the freshness that makes Central Otago Pinot so compelling.