Wine Region: Central Otago, New Zealand

Grape: Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: Beautifully balanced, with earthy tones, complementing bright cherry notes. The Bannockburn Pinot Noir goes deliciously well with roast chicken, pork and duck. Or for a meat-free option – vegetarian lasagne with goats cheese and lentils.  

About the Winery: 

Barbara and Steve Green planted a block of land on the shores of the yet to be filled Lake Dunstan in 1994. Their knowledge was academic, with some practical experience as enthusiastic consumers. The carefully watched and guided vineyards have used sustainable grape growing and winemaking since the early days, and in 2008 embarked on the path to organic production, becoming fully certified 3 years later.

Each vintage there has been some refinement and change. A development of Chardonnay in the cool climate style. Rieslings - there are now 3 - with individual characters expressing fruit, racy acidity, and varying levels of sweetness. Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc with barrel fermentation adding texture and complexity. And, of course, Pinot Noir in styles that range from readily approachable to those demanding to be cellared.

Carrick has always been about place. The name derives from the gold mining town and the mountain range to which Carrick looks. The wines are of Central Otago and its subregion, Bannockburn. Carrick's own vineyards are nestled around the winery and every effort is made to allow the wines to express their place and their providence.