Church Road Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 750ml

Church Road Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 750ml is a fragrant and complex expression from Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost wine region. This is a wine for enthusiasts who appreciate the expressive character of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and the rewarding challenge this grape presents to winemakers.

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This wine came into being when chief winemaker Chris Scott seized an unexpected opportunity in 2019 to source exceptional Pinot Noir from a small block in Lowburn, Central Otago. The 2025 vintage showcases the region’s distinctive terroir, with fruit sourced from single estate vineyards that reflect the intensity and purity Central Otago is renowned for. At 14% ABV, it balances power with elegance, showing the hallmarks of meticulous vineyard selection and careful oak handling.

Nose: Beautifully fragrant with a core of black cherry fruit at its heart, lifted by floral notes and aromatic spice. Complexity emerges through savoury herb and earthy mushroom characters that add depth and intrigue.

Palate: The wine carries impressive weight and intensity, with vanilla and baking spice layers woven through the dark fruit core. Smokey oak and sandy soil notes provide texture, while the fruit remains expressive rather than dominated by wood. The structure suggests this wine will develop further with cellaring.

Finish: Long and satisfying, with the savoury elements lingering alongside the dark cherry fruit, framed by subtle oak that darkens the wine without overshadowing its varietal character.

Pair this Pinot Noir with roast duck, game birds, or rich meat dishes where savoury flavours and umami elements complement the wine’s complexity. The wine’s structure and earthy notes also make it an excellent match for mushroom-based preparations or aged cheeses.

Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C in Burgundy-style glasses to allow the aromatics to open fully. Decanting for 30 minutes will help the wine express its full range of flavours, particularly if you’re enjoying it before 2027.

This is a wine for those who appreciate the artistry behind single-vineyard Pinot Noir and the unique character that Central Otago brings to this noble variety. It works equally well as a thoughtful gift for wine collectors or as a special occasion bottle for your own cellar, offering both immediate appeal and the potential to develop further with time.