Te Kano Life Blanc de Noir 2023

Te Kano Life Blanc de Noir takes Central Otago Pinot Noir and gives it a clever white-wine twist. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grown at Te Kano's Eliza Vineyard in Bannockburn, it is brilliantly pale, dry and refreshing, with nectarine, pear and stonefruit supported by citrus, spice and a distinctly mineral edge. Minimal skin contact keeps the colour restrained while letting the fruit and texture do the talking. BioGro-certified organic and crisp without feeling skinny, this is an intriguing alternative to the usual aromatic whites. Serve it well chilled as an aperitif or alongside sushi, salmon or other fresh seafood.

What the winery says:

The 2023 is made entirely from hand-picked Pinot Noir from Te Kano's Eliza Vineyard, which sits on an alluvial terrace near Felton Road in Bannockburn. Minimal skin contact and gentle whole-bunch pressing keep the wine exceptionally pale, while cool fermentation in stainless steel preserves its fresh aromatics. A period on light lees adds texture and depth. Te Kano describes intense nectarine, pear and spice aromas with fresh stonefruit and defined minerality on the palate. The wine is BioGro-certified organic, with 2.3 g/L residual sugar, 6.2 g/L total acidity, a pH of 3.26 and 13% alcohol.

What the experts say:

Emma Jenkins MW, Decanter, 94 Points (2023)
"With stonefruit, nashi pear, citrus and spice notes, there’s good fruit intensity and a crisp, dry finish."

Cameron Douglas MS, 92 Points (2023)
"Refreshing and crisp with an aperitif quality, balanced, well made and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029."