2022 Central Otago Pinot Noir, Wild Earth

• Style: Silky, mineral-edged Pinot with fine-grained tannins
• Taste: Cherry, blackcurrant, dried sage, liquorice, cedar
• Food: Roast beef, duck, game, charcuterie, braised chicken
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, special dinners
• Serve: 14% ABV, now or age gently, pair with herb dishes

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Deep garnet hue introduces a brooding, concentrated wine built on serious fruit concentration and fine-grained tannins. Cherry and blackcurrant layer with dried sage, liquorice and cedar; the aromatics lift as it opens while the palate stays focused and structured, never jammy. This Pinot Noir speaks to mineral edge and restrained power rather than showiness, rewards patience in the glass, and carries the kind of discipline that makes it intrigue as much as satisfy.

The Winery — Wild Earth

Founded by expatriate Californian Quintin Quider, Wild Earth was established in 1998 and now owns 35 hectares across two of Central Otago's finest vineyard sites — one overlooking the Kawarau River, the other beneath the Pisa Range. Winemaker Jen Parr, named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year in 2020, leads a small dedicated team recognised for passion and impressive style. The 2022 vintage benefited from mild spring rain, warm dry flowering, and timely February showers before a clean, hot finish. Fruit from the Terraces vineyard in Bannockburn was hand-harvested and fermented with 22% whole-bunch to add aromatic lift and silky texture, then aged 12 months in French oak (20% new) to keep focus on fruit purity rather than oak flavour.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Serve this wine with roasted beef, duck, game or quality charcuterie; it also shines with braised chicken and herb-led dishes. At 14% alcohol and fine acidity, it drinks beautifully now but has the balance to age gently. The structure and restraint make it perfect for Sunday lunch gatherings or intimate date night dinners. If this bold, structured expression appeals, explore the full range of Pinot Noir selections and discover more from Central Otago's finest producers.