Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2024

The flagship release from actor-proprietor Sam Neill’s organically farmed estate, the 2024 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir is a precise, dark-fruited and textural wine that captures the beauty and structure of Central Otago Pinot at its most complete. Crafted by winemaker Dean Shaw from four organically certified vineyards—The Fusilier (Bannockburn), The First Paddock (Gibbston), Last Chance and Red Bank (Alexandra)—this bottling represents a true cross-regional expression of Otago’s dramatic landscapes.

The 2024 vintage followed a wet winter and cool spring, progressing into a warm early summer before tapering off into a long, cool ripening period—ideal for developing complexity and retaining acidity. Hand-harvested fruit was 50% destemmed and cold-soaked for 5–7 days before fermenting with indigenous yeasts. A further 5–7 days on skins followed, before transfer to French oak barriques (18% new) for 11 months of maturation. Bottled unfined, unfiltered and vegan friendly.

The nose opens with dark cherry, ripe berry fruit and wild thyme, supported by smoky spice and earthy complexity. On the palate, the wine offers impressive weight and texture—layered with plush red and black fruits, fine tannins and integrated acidity. Elegant and cellar-worthy, yet delicious now with food.