NECK OF THE WOODS PINOT NOIR 2021

Gold Medal – The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2023

Neck of the Woods’ is the wine brand of AJ Johnson, a television industry man (he's executive producer of Lego Masters Australia) who started his wine journey in the vineyard and working with the wine at Mountford in North Canterbury. AJ flitted between wine and television for around 15 years, before he decided to start his own brand with winemaker extraordinaire Jen Parr. Using fruit from a single vineyard on the China Terrace of Bendigo, Central Otago this is an outstanding buy.

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Aromas of plum, dark cherry, red licorice and rosemary on the nose with the addition of raspberry and cassis on the palate. This sexy, understated wine exudes elegance with persistent bright red fruit, fine tannins and enduring freshness. The athletic frame speaks of its “classic” Bendigo origins, yet it’s supple and graceful side show a character less often found in the sub-region. It’s class in a glass!"

Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, May 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"The best example of Neck of the Woods Pinot Noir so far…. complex and enticing bouquet, taut and youthful on the palate, rugged and fruity with scents of raspberry – baked and fresh, plum and black cherry. Subtle savoury layers weave within the fruit core on the palate, taut and dry unfolding slowly and evenly on the palate and over the next two days tasting, this example showcases its complexity and potential. Great core attributes, textured and lengthy, well made, polished and complex. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2030+."

5 Stars Michael Copper (2021 Vintage)
"Offering top value, the 2021 vintage is a powerful, sturdy red. Deep, bright ruby, it has concentrated cherry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, ripe, supple tannins and a lengthy finish. Still youthful, ít is likely to be long-lived and well worth cellaring."

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Complex and enticing, the wine shows black cherry, olive, fennel and cedar nuances on the nose, followed by a concentrated palate that's refined and persistent. Wonderfully complemented by plush texture and layers of fine-grained tannins, finishing superbly long and graceful. At its best: now to 2030."

5 Stars & 19.0-/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, April 2023 (2021 Vintage)  
Moderately deep purple with a ruby hue, even colour throughout. The nose is savoury and herbaceous, with depth, penetrating aromas of black plum, cherry, forest floor, dried shiitake, thyme and delicate spice. Medium-full bodied, concentrated aromas of black plums and cherries entwined with savoury earthiness, forest floor, dried shiitake, thyme and black pepper dusting. Fine-grained tannins coat the palate in silk and unfold delicate black pepper and nutmeg. The wine is integrated and complex with a depth of flavour, carrying broody savouriness to a long, sustained lingering. This Central Otago Pinot Noir is concentrated with harmonious dark fruit, herb and savoury details, and a lingering earthy finish. Match with lamb roast and duck over the next 6-8 years. 14.5% alc."

Rated Excellent, 5 Stars & 94/100 NZ Wine Rater, Summer 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Very deep purple in hue. The bouquet is intense, primary, and brooding with compelling aromas of dark cherry, black forest gateau, liquorice and plenty of chary oak. A concentrated, modern, ripe, full-flavoured, fruit-forward style with a soft, fleshy texture and plush, rounded tannins. An exuberant, user-friendly wine that's bound to win numerous fans."