2023 Dog Point Pinot Noir

Marlborough often gets overshadowed by Central Otago when it comes to Kiwi Pinot, but Dog Point is the bottle that makes you rethink that hierarchy. It has arguably become the region's benchmark, delivering a level of consistency and structure that few others match.

The fruit comes from organic vines on clay hill slopes, some dating back to 1983. That vine age brings a natural depth that allows the winemaking to be relatively hands-off. It was wild fermented with about 25% whole bunches to lift the aromatics, then aged in French oak (30% new) for a solid 18 months. That extended time in barrel gives the wine a polished, settled feel right out of the gate.

The 2023 release is bright and perfumed, leading with roses, violets and crunchy red berries. Underneath the fruit, there’s a lovely savoury thread of dried herbs and brown spices. The palate is succulent and supple, framed by silky, fine-boned tannins that give it serious length. It is a classy, composed Pinot that drinks beautifully now but has the stuffing to age gracefully.