Sheild Pinot Noir 2023

SHEiLD Pinot Noir is a plush, finely structured Nelson Pinot Noir that brings together fruit from the Moutere and Waimea Plains. Black cherry and plum sit at the centre, layered with gentle spice, earthy detail and smooth, velvet-like tannins. A meaningful whole-bunch component adds lift and savoury complexity, while ten months in French oak gives shape without burying the fruit. Medium to full bodied by Pinot Noir standards, it has enough freshness for the dinner table and enough depth to reward a little time in the cellar. Try it with roast duck, lamb, mushroom dishes or chargrilled salmon.

What the winery says:

Opaque ruby in colour, the wine shows perfumed black cherry and plum, soft but balanced acidity, gentle spice and velvet-smooth tannins, followed by a warming, lightly earthy finish. The fruit came from the Whenua Matua vineyard in Moutere and the Twin Rivers and Livingston Road vineyards on the Waimea Plains, with vines aged between 17 and 24 years. Abel, 10/5 and Pommard Clone 5 were used, with the 10/5 portion, representing 40% of the blend, hand picked and fermented as whole bunches. The remaining fruit was harvested early in the morning, minimally crushed and held cool for around five days before fermentation. After pressing, the wine was transferred with its fine lees to French oak hogsheads, including 25% new oak. The lees were stirred twice through winter, malolactic fermentation occurred naturally, and the wine matured in barrel for ten months.

What the experts say:

James Suckling, 94/100 (2023 Vintage)
"A bright and fruity red with strawberries, flint and lead-pencil undertones. Medium-bodied with crunchy flavors and a savory finish. Well-crafted."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 93/100 (2023 Vintage)
"Beautifully ripe and complex, the enticing bouquet shows dark cherry, cured meat, mushroom and toasted almond characters."