The Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022 is a vibrant and energetic wine, praised for its crunchy texture and bright fruit character. It showcases fresh strawberry and citrus notes, complemented by subtle undertones of crushed stone and a touch of pink peppercorn. The tannins are fresh and finely milled, creating a silky, satisfying mouthfeel. This medium-bodied wine is both lively and satisfying, with great freshness. Best enjoyed now, but it will continue to develop over time.

James Suckling | JS 96
Published: Jun 22, 2024

I really like the crunchy character to this, with ripe, al dente pinot noir character highlighting the strawberry and lemon notes. Medium-bodied, lively and energetic with citrus and crushed stone undertones. This is so satisfying and fresh. Drink now. Screw cap.

Wine Spectator | WS 95
Published: Oct 31, 2024

Generous, juicy and concentrated, offering maraschino cherry, blackberry and white pepper notes, with pomegranate and oud hints, plus touches of caramelized brown sugar and allspice. The tannins are equally juicy, dense and plush, with a long, wonderfully expressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 2,500 cases made, 350 cases imported.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Dec 14, 2023
Drink: 2023-2032

The 2022 Moonlight Race Pinot Noir is supple and spicy, with pink peppercorn, cherry blossom, red apple skins, a hint of blond tobacco and white pepper. The wine is light in the glass (but vibrant) and the tannins suit it—they are totally fresh and fine—finely milled and like poudre. Superb, silky, totally satisfying and enlivening. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Here are some technical numbers for you. Vineyard percentage is 56% Burn Cottage Vineyard, 22% from the Sauvage Vineyard and 22% from Luna Vineyard. Seven percent whole bunch was in the ferment with 17 days on skins and oak included 22% new French oak. The wine’s pH is 3.73, with a total acidity of five grams per liter. 

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screw Cap
Harvest: 2022
Oak: 12 months in French oak, 20% new
Varietals: Pinot Noir 100%
Vineyards: Burn Cottage Vineyard 40%, Sauvage Vineyard 34%, Sappa Vineyard 26%
Vine Age: 6–23 years
Soil: Central Otago's schist-derived soils, gravel and loam
Farming: Certified Biodynamic
Vinification: Hand-harvested; 5% whole bunch; indigenous yeast fermentation for approximately 18 days; gentle extraction; matured in French oak; bottled unfiltered and unfined
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Sub-region: Cromwell Basin / Bannockburn

Serving Temperature: 15–17°C
Decanting: 30 minutes
Food Pairing: Roast duck, lamb, venison, roast poultry, pork, mushrooms and medium-aged cheeses