2023 Scout Central Otago Pinot Noir

This is Central Otago Pinot without the fuss - just pure, honest drinking from a smart little site in Bannockburn. The fruit comes off the organically farmed Muirkirk vineyard, where loamy soils help give the wine plenty of depth and texture without making it feel heavy.

It’s all handled with a light touch in the winery - hand-picked, wild fermented with 30% whole bunch, barely plunged, and left on skins for 30 days before heading into French oak (only 10% new, so the oak stays in the background). What lands in the glass is bright and energetic, with dark cherry, spice, and silky tannins holding it all together.

This is the kind of Pinot you open when you want something that’s easygoing but still has a bit of personality. It’s drinking beautifully now, but will easily handle a few years tucked away if you’re feeling patient.