TWO PADDOCKS THE MAJOR PINOT NOIR 2023

New Zealand Organic Wine Awards 'Sustainable Vineyard of the Year' 2024

Founded in 1993 by the proprietor, Sam Neill, Two Paddocks consists of four small estate vineyards in Central Otago. Typically, these sites are blended to produce the flagship Two Paddocks Estate Pinot Noir. However, in outstanding seasons, winemaker Dean Shaw also crafts a limited top tier barrel selection and creates an ‘uber Two Paddocks’. Sam has named this rare Central Otago combination, The Major General, in remembrance of his Great Grandfather, Brigadier General Charles Triscott, CMG DSO CB.

"My Great-Grandfather served most of his life in India and took part in the relief of Khandahar and the conquest of Burma. He looked staunchly formidable with his handle bar moustache and my Grandfather had to pluck up his courage and ask for his beautiful daughter’s hand in marriage. He also loved to entertain and I like to think he would have enjoyed this assemblage named in his honour." — Sam Neill, Proprietor

Black cherry, dark brooding spice aromatics and textural oak support on the nose lead to a powerful, fully textured wine that shows density, drive and a lingering, persistent finish.

Rated Outstanding & 97/100 Cameron Douglas MS, August 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"Fabulous bouquet, bright and fruity, varietal and complex beginning with a surge of raspberry and red berries then cherry flesh and roses, a distinctive gravelly sandy soil suggestion and spices of oak. A dry wine touches the palate with an intensity from chalky tannins and acidity setting the tautness and poise in place, then flavours of red apple skin, red berries and soil highlights suggested in the bouquet. The judicious use of oak is well placed and frames the whole palate well. A wine that needs further time in cellar to fully knit together. Still, it has great concentration and power, texture and length enough to drink today if you choose to. Best from 2031 though 2041+."