Blank Canvas Anthem Pinot Noir 2023 from the Anthem Vineyard in Gibbston, Central Otago is a seriously classy Kiwi Pinot, combining lifted aromatics with real depth and schist‑driven structure. This Blank Canvas Anthem Pinot Noir 2023 opens with dark cherry, redcurrant and black plum alongside rose petal, violet and subtle thyme, layered with forest floor, spice, fine smoke and a distinctive stony, mineral thread. The palate is medium‑bodied and refined, showing velvet‑fine tannins, a bright backbone of acidity and a long, savoury finish that promises excellent ageing over the next decade.

On the table, it’s a fantastic match for roast duck, confit duck leg, lamb rump, venison or mushroom dishes, where that combination of fruit, spice and earth really sings. It will also shine with salmon, tuna, pork belly and truffle‑laced pasta, giving enough structure for richer dishes while staying elegant and refreshing in the glass. Decant for an hour or two and serve in quality Pinot stems to let the florals and savoury nuances unfurl fully.

This wine sits firmly in New Zealand’s top tier – Cameron Douglas MS scores the 2023 Anthem Pinot Noir 94 points, praising its ripe red berry core, plum, blackcurrant and complex savoury layers framed by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. With thoughtful single‑vineyard viticulture, low yields and sensitive French oak handling, it’s a brilliant pick for collectors and Pinot lovers alike who want a benchmark Central Otago Pinot that will age gracefully while still drinking beautifully in its youth.