We make a lot of Pinot Noir in this country. We’re seeing more diversity of styles. Wine growers seek to express place, and how they interpret their place is what we find exciting. This wine for example, eschews the typical, fruit rich, velvety style we might associate with Central Otago. It’s more angular and we love that. It’s Pinot that’s all about texture, chew and paired back density. Aromatically it’s bright, fragrant with an underlying meatiness. Fruit from Donald van der Westhuizen’s Bendigo vineyard, that sits as high as 380 metres above sea level, is 100% whole bunch fermented and aged in old French oak barrels.

It’s easy to agree that Central Otago is an awe inspiring place, and Donald van der Westhuizen experienced just that sense of awe when he first set eyes on this Bendigo site. Armed with a masters in ecosystem ecology and post graduate study in winemaking, Donald applies both to wine growing. And from what we’ve tasted the outcome is excellent, and we’re excited to taste future releases.