BANNOCK BRAE DIGGERS LAW PINOT NOIR 2022

Sub $25 Central Otago Pinot Noir is becoming quite a rare thing, especially ones we think are worth promoting. Produced by Bannockbrae wines, this release certainly over delivers on the quality/price front.
 
A good dark colour in the glass, this offers up the smells of black Central Otago cherries, dried thyme, and earthy mushroom. The flavours burst forth on the palate with good concentration and depth. There is an added savouriness which sets it above the simple sweet fruited styles.

Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"Sun warmed cherries, Doris plums, spiced cinnamon and cloves with underlying savoury notes. A bright ruby with purple highlights. A full and vibrant palate the wine reveals a concentrated and fruit forward core of fresh cherries and blackcurrants while balanced by warm supportive sweet vanilla oak and silky fine grain tannins before finishing an elegant balanced freshness.

This Pinot Noir celebrates those born of gold, the opportunists, the chancers, the fiercely ungovernable pioneers that carved out a claim on the richest rivers in the world and the self-imposed ‘laws’ that controlled them. Punishable by Diggers Law… Overcharging of liquor, stealing of wife, stealing of claim, hoodwinking a priest, selling a native, beating a drunk & asking a stranger for change."

Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, November 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"A lovely bouquet with combinations of dark plums and barrel spices, dark skinned cherry and wild roses, clay and stone soil ideas with a mix of clove, vanilla, and wood smoke. A dry wine touches the palate first with lots of energy and style, flavours of red berries and plums reflecting the bouquet. The acidity and tannins fold into the core fruit flavours seamlessly adding mouthfeel and textures that salivate and carry flavours throughout the palate. Well made with best drinking from 2025 through 2032+."