Cloudy Bay Te Wahi Pinot Noir 2021

Cloudy Bay Te Wahi Pinot Noir 2021Product Description: Structure, site and subtlety define this precision Central Otago Pinot Noir. The 2021 Cloudy Bay Te Whi Pinot Noir is sourced from two distinct vineyards: Northburn, with its rocky, glacially derived soils, and Calvert, set in the fine silts and loams of an ancient lakebed on Felton Road. Together, they form a deeply expressive, site driven Pinot that balances richness and restraint. The name Te Whi, meaning the place in te reo

Product Description:
Structure, site and subtlety define this precision Central Otago Pinot Noir. The 2021 Cloudy Bay Te Wāhi Pinot Noir is sourced from two distinct vineyards: Northburn, with its rocky, glacially derived soils, and Calvert, set in the fine silts and loams of an ancient lakebed on Felton Road. Together, they form a deeply expressive, site-driven Pinot that balances richness and restraint. The name Te Wāhi, meaning “the place” in te reo Māori, reflects Cloudy Bay’s intent to honour terroir through a finely judged, minimal-intervention approach.

Fermentation includes both de-stemmed and whole-bunch parcels, followed by gentle maceration and élevage in French oak. The resulting wine is poised and elegant, delivering concentrated fruit wrapped in polished tannins and bright acidity. This 2021 vintage captures Central Otago’s cool-climate edge while offering a textural, seamless expression of Pinot Noir built to reward early drinking and short-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Dark berries and spice
Aromas of black cherry, damson and plum are joined by hints of dark chocolate, graphite and crushed herbs.

PALATE
– Silky and layered
Black fruit flavours unfold with fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity, underpinned by savoury spice and earthy nuance.

FINISH
– Elegant and persistent
A long, refined finish with lingering berry fruit, subtle oak spice and mineral freshness.

Reviews & Accolades
“Plenty of ripe and dried strawberries with a slate and metal-shavings undertone on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, it has soft and exquisite tannins and a long and caressing finish.” — James Suckling, 94 points, 2023

“Dense black cherry, spiced plum and date nut bread notes show whiffs of iodine, fresh earth and white pepper, along with salted black liquorice and malty black tea details on the finish.” — Wine Spectator, 90 points, 2023

“Complex and fragrant with violets, red cherry and rose petals on the nose. The palate is textured and finely tuned with a vibrant core of fruit and savoury spice.” — Wine Enthusiast, 93 points, 2023

Finer Details:
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Pinot Noir
Country – New Zealand
Region – Central Otago
Vintage – 2021
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13.5%