Burn Cottage Vineyard Property is a twenty four hectare estate in the foothills of the Pisa range in Central Otago, New Zealand. The vineyard is owned by the Sauvage family which also owns the celebrated Koehler Ruprecht estate in the Pfalz region of Germany, as well as several fine wine importing and wholesaling companies in the United States. The property was purchased in 2002. It had been grazed by sheep for as long as can currently be remembered. There were, and are, no immediate vineyard neighbors. The site was much coveted in the region for it is sheltered from both northerly and southerly winds by large hills and forms a beautiful, protected bowl, much like a modern amphitheatre. 

As is customary, this is composed of a range of Pinot Noir clones from a range of best-performing blocks for the vintage across the Burn Cottage site. The fruit, of which 31% went in as whole bunches, spent an average of 17 days in the fermenter before maturation in French oak (19% new) from the Damy and Mercurey cooperages.

Enticing layers of floral, berry and spice notes complement earthy aromatics of wet stone and black tea. With time in the glass, deeper savoury notes and richness from the whole cluster use emerge. This vintage has shown wonderful finesse from the outset, with silky texture and an attractive seamlessness throughout. Focused and very elegant, the wine has fine persistent tannins extending the harmonious finish.

Fragrant, fruity, pinot noir with a mix of savoury and delicately succulent cherry/berry flavours. Good intensity with a suggestion of oyster shell/mineral character. Seriously good wine with a promising future. Date: Mar 2023; Alcohol: 13%; Drink: 2023-2030; Rating: 96 Points; Bob Campbell MW; The Real Review