A Pinot Noir from the Waitaki Valley, which has a cool climate with limestone-sloped hillsides. A recent vintage was the winner of the ‘Best New Zealand Red Wine’ Trophy at IWC in 2025. The grapes are hand-picked separately by clone, de-stemmed, and placed into open-topped fermenters. A three-week primary fermentation is followed by pressing into French oak barrels – around 20% new oak, for an approximate 15-month élevage. A dense, deep burgundy colour in the glass. Aromas of damson plum, cherry and cranberry fruits, then spicy notes of clove and black pepper. Quite expressively ‘Pinot’ in tone, both in the bouquet and then into the palate. A lively, salty acidity leads the charge, with a balance of structure and delicacy. Fine-grained tannins and a silky-smooth texture continue the elegant feel through the palate, into a finish with excellent persistence. Drinking very well now with ten years in bottle. 95pts
Clos Ostler Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2016
