Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2023

In 1993, actor Sam Neill established Two Paddocks in Central Otago, with the modest goal of producing Pinot Noir for family and friends. He planted five acres of Pinot Noir at the original vineyard in Gibbston, known as The First Paddock. Over time, the venture has expanded to include three additional vineyards – in Alexandra and Bannockburn. It puts Two Paddocks in the unique position of being the only Central Otago winery with a footprint in all three of Central Otago’s great valleys, by owning vineyards in Gibbston, the Alexandra Basin and the Cromwell Basin.

Sam’s relatively unambitious aim, began to be overtaken, as the exceptional quality of the wine became evident, starting with the first harvest in 1997. Ever since, they have been producing some of the world's best Pinot Noir.

Grapes were hand-harvested, from their four organically farmed Central Otago vineyards. Fruit was sorted in the vineyard, and 50% de-stemmed, and given 5-7 days pre-fermentation cold maceration. After and indigenous ferment, the wine was given another 5-7 days post-ferment on skins. The wine was then transferred to medium toast French oak barriques (18% new oak), for an 11 month maturation in predominantly older oak before racking and bottling in March 2023.