Peregrine Pinot Noir 2021
A Central Otago wine, taking fruit from across Bendigo (48%), Pisa (44%) and Gibbston (8%) to present a well-balanced picture of why this region is famed for their Pinot. A deep burgundy-ruby in the glass. Perfumed with black cherry, boysenberry and raspberry coulis; with dark chocolate, violet florals and dried herbs adding complexity to that fruit ripeness. Well structured and dry on the palate, with a supple tannin profile, toasty oak and a pulse of crunchy acidity. Layers of savoury umami, black tea, terracotta and mineral flavours emerge, and plenty of spice floods the long, plush finish. A lot going on, and at this moment is a little disconnected – but having tasted the 2015 version, I anticipate that this release will also knit together very well. 93pts
Peregrine Pinot Noir 2015
The 2015 vintage shows how a Pinot from Central Otago can benefit from some cellaring and development – a dense, inky ruby/purple in the glass, with just the beginnings of a rust-brown tinge at the rim. Perfumed with black cherry, mocha, thyme, rose petal, cranberry and a peaty smokiness. Dry, concentrated and glossy, with a grip of sinewy tannins and a bright, mineral-edged acidity. Black peppercorn, allspice and a crunchy note of balsam and marinated olive lie in layers under some ripe, juicy cranberry and rosehip flavours. A balanced, sleek finish. Let’s start holding on to our Pinots a bit longer and benefit from this kind of graceful ageing. 95pts
