Doctors Flat Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022

Doctors Flat Central Otago Pinot Noir is a refined, site-driven Bannockburn Pinot Noir with both concentration and restraint. Raspberry, black cherry and plum sit alongside dried rose, potpourri, cedar and subtle smoky spice, while fine tannins and bright acidity give the palate a long, linear shape. The texture is velvety, but there is enough structure beneath the fruit to reward further time in bottle. Grown in a tiny, organically farmed vineyard established by Steve Davies, this is a thoughtful expression of Central Otago rather than an overtly rich style. Serve it with roast duck, venison or lamb seasoned with thyme and rosemary.

What the winery says:

Doctors Flat is a single three-hectare vineyard planted in Bannockburn in 2002 and farmed organically by grower and winemaker Steve Davies. Its deep glacial gravels were deposited from the Cairnmuir Mountains around 480,000 years ago, with weathering creating clay and fine silt that contribute density, fine tannins and texture to the wine. The vineyard is hand-harvested and Davies follows a restrained winemaking approach designed to preserve its distinctive sense of place. The 2022 Pinot Noir is made entirely from Pinot Noir and contains 13.5% alcohol.

What the experts say:

Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, 95/100 & 5 Stars (2022 Vintage)
“An elegant, restrained yet concentrated pinot noir with a long, fine core of raspberry, black cherry and plum elevated with measured complexity from perfumed whole bunch notes of pot pourri and just enough smoky wood to notice. Classically built with some muscular tannins and long, fruit-driven acidity, this has a velvet texture and linear shape which reluctantly unfurls on the finish.”