Scout Pinot Noir 2023

Scout Central Otago Pinot Noir is a vibrant, single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Muirkirk Vineyard on Felton Road in Bannockburn. Bright cherry and red plum fruit are layered with gentle spice, fine structure and the mineral character of the vineyard's schist and quartz-rich soils. Thirty percent whole bunch fermentation brings aromatic lift and savoury detail, while restrained French oak supports the wine without masking its energetic fruit. Silky tannins and a long, focused finish make this an elegant but expressive Central Otago Pinot Noir, well suited to roast duck, lamb, mushroom dishes or grilled salmon.

What the winery says:

The Muirkirk Vineyard features a patchwork of wind-blown loess, silty clay and dense clay loam over layers of schist and quartz gravels, creating natural concentration, fine tannin structure and a distinctive mineral character. Clone 5 Pinot Noir was hand picked and wild fermented with 30% whole bunches. The ferment was gently pumped over and only lightly plunged to preserve finesse and avoid excessive extraction. After 30 days on skins, the wine was pressed and matured in French oak barrels, including 10% new oak. The finished wine is bright, energetic and focused, with silky tannins and a long mineral finish.