BANNOCK BRAE DIGGERS LAW PINOT NOIR 2023

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 (2023 Vintage)
"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.

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, fruit-forward core of fresh cherries and blackcurrants, balanced by warm, supportive, sweet vanilla oak and silky, fine-grain tannins, before finishing with an elegant, balanced freshness.

Grown in Central Otago elevated glacial terraces and handpicked. Crushing – Fruit is gently destemmed, crushed and cold soaked to maximise colour and flavour extraction. Fermentation – Gently plunged to release the fine berry fruits and spice characters. Aging – Pressed to new and seasoned French oak for 11 months further maturation before blending and bottling."

5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"It's beautifully fragrant on the nose, showing dark berry, dried herb, game, and roasted nut aromas. The palate is silky-smooth and beautifully rounded with plump mouthfeel, finishing long and elegant. At its best: now to 2029."

92/100 David Walker Bell, WineFolio.co.nz, April 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"A Central Otago wine. The nose is fresh, inviting and vibrant. Cherry, strawberry, redcurrant, cinnamon, peat and musk roses. Bold and crunchy with fruit and energy into the palate, but with fine tannin and zesty acidity in support – offering structure and spine whilst letting the fruit shine. A savoury dried orange rind and pleasant amaro-like bitters layer of savouriness offers contrast to the ripe plushness though, with character and complexity a-plenty. Good value here, with a well-made modern expression of Central Pinot."