SIREN HIGH PRIESTESS PINOT NOIR 2022

Red-fruited, energetic and beautifully composed, with bright cherry, dried strawberry and a little orange peel sitting over a more savoury, spicy core. Eighteen months in puncheons brings shape and texture rather than obvious oak, and the tannins are lovely: fine, persistent and carrying a real sense of understated power.

There’s a slightly nervy edge to it, but that tension only adds to the seriousness. Savoury, bright and pretty at the same time, with real length and a beautifully transparent finish. A very serious Pinot, and one of the highlights of the tasting.

Winemaker's notes, Ashleigh Barrowman (2022 Vintage)
"An homage to my time spent in the Jura. This is a light, fruitful style of Pinot noir albeit dry and savoury with light, delicate tannins. Only old oak was used for maturation to retain freshness and showcase the fruit itself. Being hand destemmed it’s a true labour of love. This wine is ready to drink now but will also age.

Hand-picked and hand destemmed Pinot noir. Clones: 115 and 777. Wild fermented in stainless steel with daily syphoning of juice to keep the cap wet without heavy extraction Pressed off once dry and matured in old puncheons for 18 months."

94/100 & Top 100 New Zealand Wines of 2025, JamesSuckling.com (2022 Vintage)
"A succulent, bright and well-crafted pinot noir with dried strawberries, orange peel and warm spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Lively, with a seductive texture and a long, transparent, orange-influenced finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Unfiltered."