Pinot Noir Tuturi, Alexandra, Wild Irishman 2021

The Tuturi vineyard is situated in Alexandra - Central Otago (and the world's) southern-most vineyard region. This is where Wild Irishman is based and this is regarded as their home vineyard. The 2 hectares of vines were planted in 2002. Production in 2021 was 3050 bottles matured in French oak - 22% new. Bright ruby colour. Bursting with character on the nose, wild berries, rosemary and lavender all come through. There is a darker plum and cherry character to add depth, with the wood smoke offering an almost salty quality to the balance here. The palate is sappy and intense, fine and ripe tannins offer grip against the bright blue and red fruit. The saltiness of the nose continues here on the palate, which together with the woody herbal quality makes for a deeply savoury tone despite the bright fruit. The acid is high, piercing through the fruit and adding real freshness. This is a very smart wine, layered and ever-evolving in the glass. The intriguing interplay of fruit and spice is perfectly balanced, with the tannins a background note yet offering persistent structure. A superb example of what can be achieved at the extreme edge of viable viticulture.

Wild Irishman is the new project from the guru of Central Otago Pinot Noir - Alan Brady - and winemaker Brian Shaw. Both of whom come from Northern Ireland originally. Alan planted the first ever Pinot Noir vines in Central Otago back in 1982 in the Gibbston Valley. He has been a leading figure in the region ever since and was an original shareholder in Felton Road and a mentor to owner Nigel Greening. Further advice comes from Francois Millet former wine-maker of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue.