Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2021

Burn Cottage Vineyard sits in Central Otago on New Zealand's South Island, the southernmost and one of the highest wine regions in the world. Moonlight Race is the estate's approachable Pinot Noir, drawn from several Central Otago sites. The region is semi-continental and high altitude, with strong sunlight, hot dry days and very cold nights, and that wide diurnal range builds deep colour and ripe fruit while holding the bright acidity that defines good Pinot Noir. The free-draining schist and loess soils restrict vigour and concentrate flavour in small berries. Fermentation includes a portion of whole bunches for added perfume and savoury grip, and the wine then spends eleven months in French oak, where slow oxygen transfer rounds the tannins and adds a light spice. The colour is medium ruby. The nose shows dark cherry, wild raspberry and plum over thyme, black pepper and a touch of earth. The palate is structured and concentrated, with firm fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It is a natural match for duck, game birds and mushroom dishes.