Aces & Arrows is a side project for the Pernod Ricard winemakers. Each maker gets to have a hands on role in the whole creative process. Here we reach over the ditch to Central Otago and the Central Otago Pinot Noir produced by Winemaker Greg. Destemmed fruit and natural ferment. Maturation in French oak.

Aces & Arrows, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2021

Medium to deep ruby. Smoked meats and cherry cola, thyme, resin, choc orange, bluestone and plum sauce. Medium weight Central Otago Pinot Noir. I’m yet to find one I find has finesse (happy to be proven wrong). Ropey, yet still supple tannins and spices all gripped tight with dark berries and meaty substructure before a refreshing clean up in the tail. It’s taut and a bit broody. Give it a good decant and serve with just seared lamb steaks.

RRP: $30
Alc: 13%
Rating: 91/100

Wine sample courtesy of Pernod Ricard and Liquid Ideas