2021 Two Paddocks The Fusilier Pinot Noir, Bannockburn

Aromas of black cherries, kola nuts and lavender followed by dried herbs and orange zest with underlying potting soil notes. Mushrooms. Some gun metal. Medium-bodied, firm tannins and vivid acidity. Beautifully polished and delightful wine with great balance. From organically grown grapes. Give it time to open. Better after 2025.

96 points James Suckling

Impressively deep, rich purple-red colour; the bouquet is highly detailed, strong on roasted meats and smoky charcuterie, char-oak and dark cherry; there is lovely sweet succulent fruit in the core and then a wave of firm, grippy tannins sweeps in. It's a wine of serious depths and assertive character, which deserves to be given a little time as well as a hearty protein dish for company. Drink to 2038.

95 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, July 2024

Dense, cassis, dark berries, dark chocolate, dark cherry, wood smoke and spicy oak flavours with a firm but accessible structure that promises to reward anyone who looks after the wine in temperature-controlled conditions. Drink to 2032.

95 points Bob Campbell for The Real Review, December 2023

The 2021 Two Paddocks Reserve The Fusilier Pinot Noir is one the latest masterpiece from the late actor Sam Neill's acclaimed Central Otago estate. Hailing from the prestigious Bannockburn subregion, this stunning Pinot Noir showcases the exceptional quality that can be achieved in this rugged, high-altitude corner of New Zealand's South Island.

Sam Neill, who was best known for his iconic roles in films like Jurassic Park, poured his passion for viticulture into Two Paddocks for over two decades. The Fusilier is the flagship wine of the estate, a reserve-level Pinot Noir that embodies the Two Paddock team's meticulous approach and the unique terroir of Bannockburn. The 2021 vintage was marked by a long, cool growing season, allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors while retaining the vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of great Central Otago Pinot Noir.

The resulting wine is a captivating deep ruby hue in the glass. On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of ripe black cherries, wild raspberries, and dried herbs, with subtle earthy undertones and a hint of toasted oak from judicious barrel aging. The palate is elegantly structured, with silky tannins and a seamless integration of concentrated red fruit flavors, woodsy spice, and a refreshing minerality. The finish lingers, showcasing the wine's impeccable balance and promising excellent aging potential.

This exceptional Pinot Noir from Two Paddocks would make a superb pairing with roasted duck breast with cherries, grilled salmon with fennel and lemon, or a hearty mushroom risotto. It's a fitting tribute to Sam Neill's passion for winemaking and a testament to the world-class quality that can be achieved in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago.