CLOS OSTLER CAROLINE’S PINOT NOIR 2021

Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2024

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"The sun in the summer of 2020-2021 gave our vines great energy, with only a little rain fall and westerly winds. The autumn ripened perfectly concentrated petits grains a little earlier than usual in early April. Hand-picked by clone & destemmed to open topped fermenters, hand pigeage for 3 weeks primary fermentation then pressed to 20% new Burgundian barrels for 15 months elevage.

The wine has a satisfyingly saturated full ruby/purple colour. Generously proportioned with black fruit, Damson plum & Bing cherry at the core, seasoned with perfumed clove, anise & black pepper top notes all underpinned by a lovely savoury maritime character to give the wine intrigue. The oak is fine, fresh and subtly toasty that integrates beautifully into the bouquet. In the mouth the wine is deceptively full bodied, showing density & concentration of those beautiful fruits & spices that then lie back into a structural framework of fine, supple tannins & lacy acidity which flow through the wine; a graceful line running long and poised."

5 Stars & 97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Seductive and immensely complex, the enticing bouquet shows dark berry, dried porcini, warm spice and cedar characters. The palate exhibits outstanding concentration and depth, gracefully framed by rich texture and beautifully melded tannins. Plush and seamless with an impressively long, expansive finish. At its best: now to 2036."

Rated Outstanding & 96/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Complex, pure and enticing bouquet of mineral chalky soils and ripe fruits of dried raspberry and dark cherry, boysenberry and soft dried herbs suggesting sage and thyme. The use of oak is specific and precise with scents of mostly new barrel with some older. As the wine touches the palate the flavours of oak strike first then give way to the core fruit and mineral flavours from the bouquet then dried herb and savoury complexities. Ther’s a tautness to the palate with an abundance of polished tannins and barrel spice, plenty of acidity and a complex finish. A wine for the cellar with best drinking likely from 2028 through 2038+."

5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2021 Vintage)
"Dense, intense pinot noir with cherry/berry, spicy/smoky oak, cassis, and a lingering fruity finish. Tight, compact wine with pleasing layers and a taut structure that shows exciting bottle maturation potential. Drink now – 2031."

5 Stars & 19/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, April 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Deep crimson with a hint of purple, lighter on the rim. The bouquet is captivating, with sweet and delicate aromas of cherry, raspberry, floral, herb and savoury attributes. Medium-bodied, aromas of Morello cherry and raspberry entwined with cherry blossom, cinnamon, thyme, hibiscus tea and black pepper. A chalky mineral texture coats the palate along with silky tannins braided with lacy acidity, carrying a refined, extended, mesmerising finish. Match with duck breast and suckling pig over the next 10 years. Clones 115, 667, 777, UCD6 and Abel, handpicked, fermented to 13.5% alc, aged 15 months in Burgundy barrels, 20% new oak."