2023 Charteris Wines The Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir

Mid crimson garnet with a crimson purple glow. Dark red and purple fruits fill the front end of this wine Black Doris plum black fruit pastilles and a hint of red liquorice sit front and centre. There are hints of currant leaf and anise adding complexity to the vibrant primary fruit profile with another layer of floral perfume giving further dimension. There is a fruit concentration and depth unique to this wine that while site specific can only come from vines that are working hard on a tiny crop load dark cherry raspberryand a hint of boysenberry build into a chorus of wild berries with background notes of wild thyme and woody herbs. The tannins are mouth coating but silky smooth with thewhole bunch and oak sliding seamlessly into the background.

While we have been working with the Georgetown Vineyard for a few years with grapes from this block finding their way into our Central Otago Pinot Noir this is the first singlevineyard cuvee we have made from this site. This tiny block of land is unique not only in its position and soils but also because of its planting density and management. Its location at the opening of the Kawarau Gorge to the Cromwell basin means it has near constant airflow along with a gentle moderating effect from proximity to the river and almost directly opposite the Winter Vineyard where our Pinot Noir journey began. It is only 1.2 Hectares but planted at a vine density of 7500 vines per Hectare this means we can ask each vine to drive its energy into producing less grapes without compromising overall yield from the vineyard. The results speak for themselves. On top of this the block has been farmed organically for the last 5 years. This wine is a blend of 777 and 667 clones with 20 whole bunch inclusion ensuring structure and complexity are at its heart 10 months in oak allowing these components to find harmony. This wine marks an important addition to our vinous story in Central Otago.

Our 2023 Charteris The Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with refined restaurant-style dishes that highlight its depth and elegance. A standout match is herb-crusted lamb rack served with roasted root vegetables and a rich red wine jus where the lambs richness complements the wines dark fruit character and the herbs echo its subtle savoury notes. Alternatively dishes like duck breast with a cherry or plum reduction venison with a berry jus or a wild mushroom risotto with thyme all work harmoniously enhancing the wines layers of fruit earthiness and silky tannins.