Instant Grapification
The second release of our no-adds pinot noir was going to be called ‘Lazy’ as it is made by doing as little as possible – in fact the winemaker, Dean Shaw, jests that he will have time to help with picking this harvest as he has had so little input…Of course the exact opposite is true as like any ‘never been done befores’, this was a challenge for both the viticultural and winemaking teams to create a Two Paddocks example of a more ‘natural wine’ – pristine organically grown fruit then zero sulphur or pH corrections, or fining or filtering at the winery…it’s not an easy road to follow for the winemaker as attention to detail and experience are tested to uncomfortable limits. However, at this early stage we think the result drinks for itself and everyone can possibly feel just that little bit less preserved after a glass or two…peace out.
The Fusilier Vineyard is named in honor of Sam’s father, Major Dermot Neill, a soldier in the Royal Irish Fusilier Regiment for twenty years before returning home to Dunedin, New Zealand, where he ran the family Wine & Spirit business, Neill & Co. Planted entirely in 2000, The Fusilier is 5.6 hectares of pinot noir, on rolling northerly facing terraces at the far western end of Felton Rd. Soils on the terraces consist of deep alluvial fans, which are made up of varying depths of silt, sand and gravel layering all derived from mountainous raw schist parent material.
Award / Reviewer | Date | Rating | Review |
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Bob Campbell MW | Feb 2022 | 88 Points | |
"A single site wine from Bannockburn made with zero additions—not even a smidgen of SO2 at bottling. Is it my imagination or is this wine softer and purer than the regular pinot noir from 2020? It does have a very slight stab of bitterness on the finish but has good varietal character and, more importantly, is good to drink."
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Sam Kim, Wine Orbit | Nov 2021 | 94 points | |
"It’s youthfully charming and perfumed on the nose showing dark cherry, strawberry, violet, clove and olive characters, leading to a delightfully expressed palate that’s filled with succulent fruit flavours backed by an elegant spicy undertone. Smooth and lingering with a gorgeous mellow finish. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2024" |
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New Zealand Wines: Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide | Oct 2021 | ||
"Already delicious, the fragrant, youthful 2020 vintage (5*) was estate-grown in the Fusilier Vineyard at Bannockburn and handled with 'no added preservatives.' Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling and supple, with generous cherry, plum and spice flavours, deep and finely poised. Certified organic." |
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