Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"The Bannockburn Pinot Noir is Carrick's flagship wine, and the wine that we feel best represents the strong connection we have with our site. Known for its structure and ability to age well over a long period of time, the fruit is hand-picked from several vineyard parcels that are entirely grown on their own roots and are the oldest vines we have on the property. Now 25 years old. The 2020 growing season was cool to start with a late budburst, cold in December and early January. Followed by heat spikes in late January and throughout February began to see ripening catch up. Quality was the silver lining of this tumultuous year.
The 2020 Bannockburn Pinot Noir has a lovely aroma with notes of fresh blackberries, raspberry coulis and vanilla. It's complex and layered on the palate, the tannins are soft and build, alongside notes of wood smoke, leather and black pepper. It's long and powerful, with plenty of years ahead of it to gather further detail."
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"A regional classic. Certified organic, the 2020 vintage was hand-harvested from estate-grown, mature vines and aged for 11 months in French oak casks (23 per cent new). Deep ruby, it is fragrant and full-bodied, with concentrated, ripe cherry, spice and nut flavours, showing excellent complexity, and a lingering finish. Still fresh and youthful, it's a savoury, finely structured wine, well worth cellaring to 2024+."
94/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2020 Vintage)
"Appealing perfume with a savoury edge and more conventional plum, dark cherry and spicy varietal flavours. Accessible wine with moderate cellaring potential. Good food wine."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"A complete wine on the nose and palate with aromas and flavours of red berries and savoury spices, a sense of place and texture from fruit and wood. A dry wine with flavours of red apple skin and cherry flesh, thyme and savoury spices, some wild flowers and forest berries. There’s a tautness on the palate showcasing the wine youthful and impact from tannins and acidity – both adding mouthfeel and structure. Well made with plenty of development time ahead. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029+."
4 Stars Yvonne Lorkin, April 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"Now in its 26th vintage, this is one of New Zealand’s most respected pinot noirs. The 2020 erupts with classic Central Otago dark fruits and dried thyme aromatics, then follows through with attractively layered spice and charred oak notes. There’s some tannic cling and grip and it’s edged with wild rhubarb and whispers of black tea. Always aged for at least 12 months in bottle before release, it’s classic, stylish and very appealing."