Carrick Billet-Doux Pinot Noir 2023, Bannockburn, Central Otago NZD $39
Winemaker Rosie Menzies continues the legacy of Billet-Doux, one of the earlier no additions wines to emerge from Central Otago (it was first made 10 years ago). What started as a sulfur-free 300-bottle experiment from young vines has now turned into a seriously delicious, ageworthy wine which somehow still manages to adhere to the same principles of no additions. It may no longer have a technically demanding label (the first 300 labels were individually painted by hand) but the spirit of curiosity and courage lives on in this wine.
Dark crimson-violet. Brooding, rather reticent nose of dusty plum, black cherry, violet and smoke. Unyielding, even with air. The palate is sleek but large-scaled, very concentrated and compact around a core of purple fruit. The tannins emerge on the back-palate, firm, grippy and dark. A restrained oxidative note lingers, adding to its overall brooding nature. Powerful, dark-fruited and sinewy. Everything is there, but currently hidden. Give it a year in the cellar to relax. (Diam)
Score: 93 ★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 13%
Ageing: drink 2025 to 2034
Food: beef tataki with sesame yuzu dressing and fried shallots
Stockist: Carrick Wines, By the Bottle NZ and Caro’s Wines, Auckland and online, Liquorland stores (NZ)
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
