Two Paddocks
Central Otago, New Zealand
Sam Neill planted his original 2 hectare vineyard, the First Paddock site, at Gibbston in Central Otago in 1993. That vineyard has now been doubled in size and two more blocks have been added, and the quality of his wines has soared since. These wines remain somewhat of hidden gems in Otago and represent very impressive value - with many producers of equal calibre now priced up to twice that of Two Paddocks! Tasting the wines last week with winery manager Jacqui Murphy, we were all stunned by the purity and complexity of all the wines, from the racy 0ff-dry riesling to the rich, beautifully perfumed and silky estate pinot.
Cheers, Randall
Cheers, Randall
These wines are expected to arrive Friday 11 August!
2022 Two Paddocks Picnic Riesling
RRP: $40 | Offer: $35
"Slick and medium weight with medium sugary-sweetness in tow. Supple, slick and with a core of tangerine acidity, this feels good to drink, flows well and finishes long. A melange of all kinds of citrus." 91pts - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
Silver - New Zealand Organic Wine Awards
2022 Two Paddocks Picnic Pinot Noir
RRP: $50 | Offer: $43
The "Picnic" name doesn't do this wine justice for it infers "simplicity", but this is not a simple nor overly soft and light wine. It is admirably all from estate fruit off 3 vineyards (Alexandria, Gibbston and Bannockburn) and the power of the Central Otago fruit is "tempered" by clever winemaking, only 10% whole bunch, and just under a year of barrel ageing with a small but important level of new oak. This wine is all about seduction, raspberry and spice, dark cherries and silky soft tannins.
"Gorgeously elegant and sweetly fruited, the inviting bouquet shows dark plum, wild strawberry, olive, toasted almond and subtle spice aromas, leading to a beautifully weighted palate offering silky texture and layers of fine-grained tannins. Elegant yet brilliantly structured, finishing splendidly long and satisfying. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2032." 94pts - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"Bright, silken-smooth pinot noir with black cherry, blackberry, fresh herb and peppery oak flavours. Supple wine with good varietal definition. Good food wine. Reminds me of a good village Burgundy. 2023–2029." 92pts - Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
2022 Two Paddocks Estate Pinot Noir
RRP: $75 | Offer: $65
This is a very serious and lovely, expansive pinot, width and great length in spades. It comes from the 4 estate plots and has 46% whole bunch giving perfume and aromatic complexity. The 18% new oak lavished on it so the result is beautifully fruited and super silky.
"Stylish and seductive, the wine shows dark plum, assorted nut, thyme, cured meat and rich floral aromas on the nose, followed by a wonderfully weighted palate displaying silky flow and fleshy texture. Tannins are fine and beautifully infused, making the wine gorgeously harmonious and persistent. A blend of grapes from Bannockburn, Earnscleugh & Gibbston Vineyards. Certified organic. At its best: 2025 to 2037." 96pts - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
#1 of 21 2022 Pinot Noir from Central Otago ; Wine of the Week - July 24
3 products
3 products
