2021 Neck of the Woods Central Otago Pinot Noir

95 Points Sam Kim
In stock
A nice special on this great new Pinot Noir that is getting serious plaudits. This new vintage release maybe the best yet. Neck of the Woods’ is the wine brand of AJ Johnson, a television industry man (he's executive producer of Lego Masters Australia) who started his wine journey in the vineyard and working with the wine at Mountford in North Canterbury. AJ flitted between wine and television for around 15 years, before he decided to start his own brand with winemaker extraordinaire Jen Parr in Central Otago. Using fruit from a single vineyard on the China Terrace of Bendigo, this is an outstanding buy and on par with many of the best $50 reds out of the region, the Neck of the woods is a label to check out at this price.
$29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle

Grape

Pinot Noir

Its Origins

"Neck of the Woods’ is the wine brand of AJ Johnson, a television industry man who started his wine journey in the vineyard and working with the wine at Mountford in North Canterbury. AJ flitted between wine and television for around 15 years, before he decided to start his own brand. His model is as a negociant as AJ does not own vineyards, but has good relationships with specialty growers in Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. The first release was the 2016 Gibbston Pinot Noir. Jen Parr crafted the below range." Raymond Chan Reviews

What The Critics Say

95/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim

"Complex and enticing, the wine shows black cherry, olive, fennel and cedar nuances on the nose, followed by a concentrated palate that's refined and persistent. Wonderfully complemented by plush texture and layers of fine-grained tannins, finishing superbly long and graceful. At its best: now to 2030."

94/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2020 vintage)

"Complex and youthful, new and inviting. .. Taut and textured, youthful and precise, a core of dark red berry fruits and plum, a savoury dried herb layer folds in texture, complexity and breadth. Tannins and acidity engage all the palate sensors with the core of fruit for contrast. A delicious yet youthful wine with a lengthy finish."

5 Stars, Raymond Chan Reviews, Candice Chow (2020 vintage)

"Deep purple with a ruby hue, slightly lighter edged. This has a youthful and soft bouquet with vivid aromas of blackberries, cherries, and dark herbs entwined with a hint of floral, liquorice and allspice. Medium-full bodied, purely expressed aromas of blackberries, cherries melded with violet, thyme and black liquorice, unfolding cloves and black pepper. The fruit shows purity and ripeness, growing with depth, and black pepper extended the palate, adorned by violet and stalk elements. Youthful oak details contributed spice and structure and appeared with a dusty mouthfeel supported by lively acidity. This has a velvety line with pure fruit expression, herb and floral elements, spice structure and an elegant finish. Match with duck and hare over the next 6-8 years. 13.5% alc. Fruit sourced from the Van der Mark Vineyard on China Terrace in Bendigo, clones 667, Abel, 828, 5, 943, handpicked, fermented in 3 batches, average 30% whole bunch, 24 days on skins. aged in French oak barriques for 11.5 months, 20% new oak."

Variety Pinot Noir
Region Central Otago
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2023 - 2030

This Wine Goes Well With

with CHICKEN
with MILD CHEESE
with PORK

Taste

3

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