A classic Central Otago Pinot Noir. There's depth and intrigue, layers and personality. A superb wine from Matt Dicey, formerly of Mt Difficulty fame.
Dicey built himself quite a reputation at Mt Diff and he has seen the opportunity to leap out on his own. His vineyard is stunning and is tended by his brother James, it is perched on a hilltop in Bannockburn. I remember admiring the vineyard from the Carrick Vineyard across the Kawarau River and Bannockburn Inlet when in the 'hood two years ago. Dicey speaks of the dry, arid desert that is Central Otago. Cromwell, a stone's throw away, is the furthest inhabited inland place in New Zealand - fact! The driest part of the country, it is New Zealand's least influenced maritime region.
Wines like this are hard to keep in the glass as they continue to evaporate at rapid speed. What strikes me about this Pinot is the balance. The fruit, weight, oak and acid are all in sync. Dark plums, licks of red berries, undergrowth and dusty earth, there is a focused textural presence that urges your attention. Super fine tannins on close, a smidge of tension suggests this will only improve with bottle age. And having seen a number of aged Central Otago Pinots in recent times, age worthiness is something this region does well. It's a ripping Pinot dripping in class.
Drink to ten years+
94/100
Region: Central Otago
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