Clos Ostler Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2021 from Waitaki Valley delivers gold medal brilliance with seductive complexity and stunning concentration. This award-winning beauty captured Best New Zealand Red Wine, Best New Zealand Pinot Noir and Best North Otago Pinot Noir trophies at the 2025 International Wine Challenge, showcasing the region’s distinctive terroir. Generously proportioned with saturated ruby-purple hues, the wine presents Damson plum, Bing cherry and dark berry fruits alongside perfumed clove, anise and black pepper.

Alluring aromas of Morello cherry, raspberry, cherry blossom and cinnamon weave with dried porcini, thyme and a lovely savoury maritime character that adds intrigue. Aged 15 months in 20% new Burgundian oak, Caroline’s Pinot shows deceptive full-bodied density with fine supple tannins and lacy acidity flowing long and poised. The concentrated ripeness sits beautifully in a well-proportioned frame, earning an impressive 97 points from Sam Kim and 96 points from Cameron Douglas.

This graceful powerhouse shines alongside duck breast or crispy pork belly where its structural elegance and savoury complexity complement rich, flavourful meats. The wine’s taut structure and polished tannins promise exciting cellar potential, drinking beautifully now through 2036 with peak enjoyment from 2028 onwards.