Burn Cottage Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Burn Cottage sits in Central Otago at the southern end of New Zealand's South Island, and the Sauvage Vineyard bottling is a single-site Pinot Noir from this high, dry inland valley. Central Otago has a semi-continental climate, the most extreme in the country, with hot days and very cold nights that give the fruit deep colour and concentration while holding firm acidity. The schist and loess soils drain freely and keep the vines low yielding, which builds structure unusual for Pinot Noir. The estate farms biodynamically, working the soil rather than relying on inputs. The wine is aged 12 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange knits the tannins and adds a savoury, spiced frame around the fruit. The colour is a deep ruby. The nose shows ripe black cherry and red plum with earthy, herbal undertones and a touch of black pepper. The palate is concentrated and structured for the grape, with ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. It drinks well now and will reward a few years in the cellar. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a wide Burgundy glass, with duck, game birds or mushroom dishes.