Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2022
From the multi-award winning Peregrine winery in Central Otago, Saddleback Pinot Noir 2021 is in fine form. Crafted from a mix of Bendigo, Gibbston and Cromwell basin fruit, it is showing bright fresh aromas of red and black berries, florals and a touch of spice. On the palate it moves into dark fruits melding with savoury elements of spice and herb giving lovely balance and persistence.
Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Fresh red berry, star anise, wild strawberry and pretty floral aromas combine with lovely bright red fruit, gentle spice and subtle creaminess. A pure expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir. Luscious and fruit focussed with great flavour and soft supple tannin.
The 2021 season began with a warm, dry spring in Central Otago. This combined with a cooler growing season resulted in smaller bunches and berries, with lovely purity and intensity of flavour. Warm, dry days in autumn provided lovely ripening and favourable harvest conditions. Central Otago fruit from Peregrine Bendigo Estate, Gibbston and select Cromwell basin sites. Mostly destemmed with a small portion of whole cluster fermentation, and 10 months maturation in older French Oak."
5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"A splendid rendition of the variety with dark plum, blueberry, violet, olive and roasted almond notes, it’s wonderfully weighted and plump in the mouth delivering excellent fruit purity as well as elegant complexity. Pristine and flavoursome, offering terrific drinking. At its best: now to 2027."
4 Stars Cuisine Pinot Noir Tasting, April 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Immediately attractive in the glass with red fruits, umami mushroom and delicate floral aromas on the nose. The fruit flavours initially seem subdued on the palate, however richness and concentration of flavour reveal themselves framed beautifully by silky tannins."