Smith & Sheth Cru Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022

Smith & Sheth Cru Central Otago Pinot Noir brings plenty of Central Otago character, pairing ripe cherry and black plum with florals, spice, wild thyme and a subtle mocha note. The palate is bright and energetic, with juicy red and blue fruit wrapped in a soft, velvety texture and fine tannins. A small whole-bunch component and patient maturation add savoury detail without taking the focus away from the fruit. It is polished, generous and nicely composed, with enough freshness to keep everything moving. A fine choice for roast duck, venison or mushroom dishes, and equally convincing when Pinot Noir is simply the main event.

What the winery says:

The fruit was hand-sorted and gently destemmed, with 10% retained as whole bunches, before an uninoculated fermentation. The wine was matured for 12 months in barrel, followed by a further nine months in concrete and wooden cuves. Smith & Sheth describes a vibrant ruby colour with lifted cherry, spice and floral aromas, leading to ripe red fruit, wild thyme and subtle mocha on a soft, velvety palate with fine tannins and a long, smooth finish.

What the experts say:

Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, 96/100, Top Value NZ (2022 Vintage)
"Perfumed pinot noir with seductive floral, black cherry, vanilla, dark berry wine in an appealing and very drinkable style. Made with a light touch, the wine has a silken and almost ethereal texture."

Cameron Douglas MS, 95 Points, Excellent (2022 Vintage)
"An excellent bouquet and palate with ripe red cherry and raspberry flavours, there's a mix of brown baking spices and layers of seasoned wood."