2024 Nevis Bluff Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Gorgeously styled and expressed, the wine shows dark plum, rich floral, thyme, smoked game, and hazelnut aromas on the nose. It's richly weighted with refinement and finesse, wonderfully complemented by velvety texture and fine-grained tannins, finishing splendidly long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2034.

95 points Sam Kim wineorbit.co.nz

98 points Double Gold New Zealand International Wine Show 2025

From a tightly held parcel overlooking the dramatic Nevis Valley, this single vineyard Pinot Noir captures the raw alpine character that defines the best of Central Otago. The site sits high and exposed, planted in schist based soils that radiate heat by day and release it slowly into freezing nights. That swing builds fruit intensity while preserving acidity, shaping a Pinot that feels both concentrated and electric. Nevis Bluff treats the vineyard as the voice of the wine, aiming for transparency and tension rather than polish.

Winemaking is measured and patient, focusing on fine tannin and aromatic clarity. Extraction is gentle enough to protect perfume, while thoughtful oak adds structure without masking the site. The result is a Pinot that feels architectural, built around line and mineral drive.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby with garnet tones. Aromas unfold with black cherry, wild strawberry and plum, followed by thyme, clove, forest floor and a faint smoky mineral edge. There is a cool alpine freshness running beneath the fruit.

The palate is medium to full bodied, with dense red and dark fruit wrapped in fine, persistent tannins. A bright acid spine gives energy and length, carrying flavours of cherry, raspberry and savoury spice through a long, mineral finish. The texture is silky but taut, balancing richness with precision.

It pairs beautifully with duck, venison, lamb and mushroom driven dishes. Drinking impressively now with air, it will cellar comfortably for eight to twelve years, developing earthy and gamey complexity while retaining freshness.

This is Central Otago Pinot in a focused register, powerful, mineral and shaped by altitude.