Concentrated cool climate Pinot

This could be called a "bargain Pinot."

This 2020 Pinot Noir from Osler Vineyards comes from North Otago, also known as the Waitaki Valley, a little-known region of New Zealand's South Island.

Osler's base is in the Waitaki River basin, which flows northeast in the Otago region.

The climate is cool, similar to Central Otago, but it is a little closer to the sea, and the winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean and the dry winds blowing down from the Southern Alps mix together. The soil is a mixture of limestone. Like its neighbor, Central Otago, it is a place with the potential to produce unique and high-quality Pinot Noir.

This Osler has now changed its name to Clos Osler , and the wines from the Osler era are only available while supplies last. Furthermore, the contract with the current Japanese importer has ended, and there are no plans to restock.

So, if you're wondering, "What does North Otago taste like?", don't hesitate to check out North Otago: Uncover the hidden charms of the Waitaki Valley!

Tasting notes

When poured into a glass, it has a deep ruby color and a rich aroma of blueberry and cherry compote with hints of violet flowers, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices.

The fruit is quite concentrated, comparable to Central Otago Pinots, but the acidity is a little cooler, giving it a more defined and elegant flavour.

5 Recommended Pairings

The best pairing with food is with a little herb or fruit sauce. For example...

• Grilled pork shoulder (with balsamic sauce)
• Roast duck (mixed berry sauce)
• Herb-breaded lamb
• Porcini cream risotto
• Grilled eel (with a little pepper)

A must-have for Pinot lovers, and also for those who want to discover a lesser known side of New Zealand.

About the winery "Osler Vineyards"

The story of Osler Vineyards began with the deep passion of one doctor, Jim Jerram , who had been working with human life for 29 years and had a quiet but unwavering dream to create the perfect Pinot Noir with his own hands.

In 1998, to pursue this dream, he set out in search of the perfect piece of land with his college friend Jeff Synnott , who shared his passion for winegrowing.

After traveling throughout New Zealand, they arrived at the Waitaki Valley in the South Island, a place where little was yet known about its potential for grape growing.

Waitaki Valley: a unique limestone terroir

The Waitaki Valley, where they put down roots, is a truly unique place formed by the uplift of limestone that was once the ocean floor about 38 million years ago.

The region is cool, windy and has a long growing season, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly, acquiring concentration, fine acidity and pure transparency.

The limestone soil is also said to bring complexity and minerality to the wines, which gives them elegance.

Currently, Osler Vineyards is The vineyards, which face north and cover approximately eight hectares, have a variety of elevations, soil types and microclimates that give their wines a wealth of nuance and complexity.

Coexistence with nature and commitment

Osler Vineyards' winemaking is based on the philosophy of sustainable viticulture that its founder specialized in studying at Lincoln University.

We minimize the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and respect the soil's microorganisms and ecosystem. We aim to maintain the health of the fields for the long term, avoiding excessive cultivation and allowing grass to coexist on the surface, thereby maximizing the potential of the land.

The first Pinot Noir vines were planted in 2002 and the first vintage was released in 2004, and since then, the quality of the vineyards has been highly praised both at home and abroad.

The vinification method is adapted to the characteristics of each wine: for example, Pinot Noir is hand-picked and aged in Burgundy barrels (the proportion of new barrels depends on the wine), while Pinot Gris is hand-picked, whole-cluster pressed, and fermented in tanks or barrels with selected yeasts.

Jim Jerram is dedicated to "creating the Pinot Noir of his dreams," and rather than mass-producing his wines, he carefully crafts them in dialogue with the grapes.

About the Waitaki Valley

The Waitaki Valley is located 40km from the Pacific Ocean and has a distinctive topography surrounded by mountains.

The region stretches for about 20km along the Waitaki River and its north-facing slopes make it well suited to grape growing, with climatic conditions similar to those of Central Otago.

What is particularly noteworthy is the unique composition of the soil: high, well-drained river gravel alternated with ancient limestone layers, which give the region's wines their unique flavour.

Waitaki Valley wines retain the typical character of the Otago region, but also have their own unique character, reflecting the region's unique terroir.

Ostler Vineyards North Otago Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir 2020

item	Content
Winery Name	Osler Vineyards
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Waitaki Valley (North Otago)
kinds	red
Grape variety	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2020
Alcohol content	13.5%
certification	Sustainable Certification
capacity	750ml
remarks	Screw Cap