The 2022 vintage is the first release of EOS Pinot Noir, from the Waitaki Valley in Otago. They will be pleased with the result – the wine winning a Platinum Award at the Decanter Wine Awards this year, and scores as high as 97/100 points. Hand-picked fruit – mostly Dijon clones 667 and 777 – spent 11 months in 42% new barrels from Taransaud using Tronçais forest oak. This was a cooler vintage and it shows in the elegant, well-structured wine.
A light ruby-burgundy colour in the glass. The bouquet is bright and floral, with cranberry, raspberry, cassis and red cherry fruits, followed by bay leaf and woody herbs, peat and then rose petals. The palate has a deeper, richer ripeness than the nose, but reflects the same tones. Medium-bodied, a spine of fine, silken tannin and a touch of barrel spice are swept up in a wave of saline acidity, flowing through the palate. The youthful energy keeps a tight corset on – the line and carry quite focussed and direct. Sumac, cinnamon and pink peppercorn spice reveal themselves in the back of the palate, into a finish with good persistence. I believe it has potential for greater complexity and development if cellared well, for now – 94pts
