Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2022

Deep garnet hue with intriguing aromas of cherry, black currant, plum, cedar, sage, liquorice, and wild thyme. The palate is focused with intriguing layers of red fruit, dried herb and distinctive earthy flavours complementing a concentrated palate with great intensity and length. Silky fine tannins, vibrant fruit, and beautiful aromatics, complement a serious structure with great finesse. Harmonious and inviting, this Pinot Noir is drinking beautifully as a young wine and should continue to deliver enjoyment for 15+ years.

Vintage notes

The 2021-2022 growing season was relatively warm overall with a mild start to spring that was slightly wetter than average, followed by warm, dry weather at flowering resulting in excellent yields. January was warm and dry, followed by a wet February and then a brilliant, dry and warm March. The rain events in spring and in February were welcomed and frost wasn’t an issue. The favourable growing season delivered a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir that is generous yet refined with great fruit purity and complex layers.

Wine making notes

Wild Earth Pinot Noir 2022 is a Central Otago blend that represents the best attributes of the excellent 2022 vintage. The fruit was hand-harvested at optimal ripeness with harvest dates ranging from late March to late April 2022. Several different ferments went into the blend ranging from 0-40% whole bunches per fermenter with the resulting blend having around 22% whole bunch, which aids the tannin structure and aromatics of the wine. The total time on skins ranges from 18-28 days. The wine was aged in fine-grain French oak barrels (20% new) for approximately 12 months. Our winemaker, Jen Parr, selected fruit from exceptional Central Otago vineyards in Pisa, Bendigo, Gibbston and Bannockburn showcasing the high quality of the season.

Awards and reviews

95 points, 5 stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Stylish and enticing, the wine shows perfumed aromas of dark cherry, plum, thyme and hazelnut with a floral overtone. It’s beautifully weighted on the palate with refined texture and plush mouthfeel, finishing persistent and polished. The wine combined stunning fruit purity with seductive complexity, making it engaging and highly appealing. At its best: now to 2032”.

5 out of 5 stars – Michael Cooper

“Already delicious, the 2022 vintage (5*) is a regional blend of Pisa, Bendigo, Gibbston and Bannockburn grapes, hand-picked and matured for a year in French oak barrels (20 per cent new). Bright, deep ruby, it is mouthfilling, savoury and supple, with fresh, rich cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent depth and harmony, and a perfumed bouquet. A very refined red, it should be at its best 2025+”.

94 points, excellent – Cameron Douglas MS

“Ripe, fruity and varietal with core scents of wild dried herbs releasing a savoury quality, then aromas of fresh dark skinned cherry, roasted nut, some gun-flint quality then raspberry and red apple skin. Oak is present in the bouquet though not a feature. As the wine touches the palate the textures and flavours are all pinosity with red berry fruits and savoury spices, the oak now releases some structure, spice and a whisper of smoke. Gun flint and nut along with raspberry and red apple also continue. Well made, taut and youthful, fresh and saline. Best drinking from late 2025 through 2034+.”

18.5 / 20 points – Joelle Thomson

“Wildly tasty Pinot Noir, if you’ll excuse the pun, from a year that is shaping up to be an excellent one for Pinot from the deep south. The 2022 harvest took place without a high degree of weather pressure and the resulting wines, such as this one from Wild Earth, are silky in mouthfeel with immediacy and approachability – silky red fruit flavours are enveloped in an earthy depth of taste in a wine with a lingering finish. This wine tastes great and has potential for ageing for at least six to seven years”.

5 stars, 93 points, 18.5/20 pts – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

“Moderately deep purple with a ruby hue, lighter on the rim. This has an enticing bouquet packed with dark fruit, herbs and spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of dark cheer, plum intertwined with thyme, nutmeg, cinnamon and a hint of cocoa. The fruit is rich with density, and finely-weaved tannins contribute to a velvety mouthfeel supported by lacy acidity. This Pinot Noir is generous and harmonious, with fine tannins, dark fruit and spice featuring herbaceous nuances. Match with lamb loin and confit duck over the next 5-7 years. A Central Otago regional blend, fermented with 22 % whole bunch, 18-28 days on skins, aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, 20% new oak. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts)”.

92 points, 4 stars – Bob Campbell MW, the Real Review

“Moderately intense, fruit-focused pinot noir with blackberry, dark-fleshed plum, cassis, dark cherry and a dusting of spicy oak. Accessible wine that’s easy to love. Very approachable now”.