Forager Pinot Noir 2023

Forager Pinot Noir is a finely detailed North Canterbury Pinot with lifted cherry and wild raspberry, floral notes, savoury earth and a distinctly mineral, chalky edge. Fruit comes from Isolated Hill at Waiau, where Pinot Noir grows on limestone slopes 40 km inland, giving this a strong sense of site. The 2023 carries bright acidity and polished, fine-grained tannin, with enough structure to reward a little time in the glass while staying graceful rather than heavy. If you like Pinot with perfume, texture and a bit of savoury intrigue, this is a compelling choice. Try it with duck breast, mushroom dishes or herb-crusted lamb.

What the winery says:

The 2023 is the eleventh release of Forager Pinot Noir, sourced from the Isolated Hill vineyard in Waiau, North Canterbury. The season brought favourable flowering conditions followed by a dry harvest, with the fruit hand picked at the end of March. Fermentation took place outside in the vineyard, with 20% whole bunches and 30 days on skins before a gentle pressing to fine-grained French oak. The wine then spent 15 months in barrel, including 15% new oak, before being bottled without fining or filtration. Alcohol is 13.5%, with 166 cases produced.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 95 Points, Outstanding (2023)
“Complex, fragrant and detailed bouquet led by scents of mineral and tilled soils, chalk then a fine savoury led fruit package.”

Sammy Wilkinson, Wine Writer, 5+ Stars, 95 Points (2023)
“Light-bodied with high acidity, the palate is tightly coiled and taut, with red fruit, fine-grained, ripe tannins, and a lightly saline edge on the finish.”