2021 Burn Cottage Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Grape: Pinot Noir
Culinary Suggestions: Quail, Wagyu Steak, Peking Duck, Lamb Cutlets, Grilled Pork
Vineyard Practice: Organic, Biodynamic, Vegan
About
Chicago wine importer Marquis Savage fell in love with Central Otago on what was meant to be a quick tour of the region. Falling in love meant purchasing 24 hectares in the Cromwell basin, which were subsequently planted with clones specific to soil type and in accordance with biodynamic principles. Enlisted to help in this task was Ted Lemon of Littorai, who brought with him more than three decades of practical knowledge of terroir winegrowing based on experience in Burgundy, California and Oregon. Ted continues to play a key role in defining the path of the wines, and counts on the experienced and super-talented Claire Mullholland, formerly of Martinborough Vineyards and Amisfield, to take charge of day-to-day winemaking. Burn Cottage’s reputation has justly spread far and wide - and fast. From the 2014 vintage the estate expanded the range to include the regional Moonlight Race Pinot Noir and another Pinot from the exceptional Valli vineyard. The Pinot Noir from the Burn Cottage vineyard is a modern classic, and the same site now makes a distinctive and delicious Riesling / Grüner Veltliner blend. - Importer Note
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir is alive and energetic, svelte and composed. As I write this, I am sitting at the bottom of the Burn Cottage Vineyard in Lowburn, looking up the rows. This is a mineral, nuanced expression, with graphite and white tea, pomegranate pearls, raspberry licorice, rosehips and crushed pink peppercorns. This is what I came here for. It’s thrilling, lacy, delicate and focused. Exciting wine, exciting drinking. It sits on the palate nicely—evenly weighted, and it spools through the long finish... yes! 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
96 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate December 2023
Drink: 2023 - 2036