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The New Face of Alexandra Pinot Noir — Decanter Platinum Meets Pure Central Otago Precision

We’re thrilled to introduce a Pinot that has already made waves on the world stage — McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Alexandra Pinot Noir 2023. From one of the southernmost vineyards in New Zealand and crafted by Central Otago legend Matt Connell, this wine is a landmark moment for Alexandra Valley.

Awarded a Platinum Medal at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (97 points), this is one of the highest scoring Southern Otago Pinots we’ve seen in recent years — and proof that the Alexandra subregion is no longer flying under the radar.

A Pinot Born of Patience, Precision and Place

Southern Tor 2023 is more than just a wine. It’s the culmination of decades of quiet ambition in one of New Zealand’s driest, most extreme terroirs — where glacial-fed water, lean Brassknocker soils, and wide diurnal shifts produce fruit of stunning definition.

Winemaker Matt Connell (formerly of Akarua) brings a pedigree of award-winning finesse, with past trophies at IWC London and NZIWS. Vineyard Manager Murray Petrie has nurtured the site since its first planting in 2002, coaxing elegance and minerality from Alexandra’s sun-drenched, wind-sculpted slopes.

Style Snapshot

Expect vivid aromatics and striking purity. Red cherry, thyme, wild raspberry and crushed rock. A whisper of whole-bunch tension. Taut acidity. Silken tannins. This is not a burly, brooding Central Pinot. It’s Alexandra — lifted, fine-boned, and distinct.

“Bright and precise, with perfumed lift and understated complexity. A Pinot of place and poise.”
— Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

What Makes It Special?

• Single-site fruit from elevated north-facing blocks in Alexandra

• Crafted by Matt Connell, 2021 NZIWS Winemaker of Show

• 97pts Decanter | Platinum Medal DWWA 2024

• Rare to see such acclaim from a subregion often overshadowed by Bannockburn or Gibbston

• Sustainable viticulture & minimal intervention

Why FinePinot?

As Pinot Noir Specialist Retailer, we’re proud to offer this Decanter standout — direct from the vineyard that’s rewriting the narrative of Southern Otago. If you’ve yet to explore Alexandra Pinot, start here. This is the benchmark.

📦 Strictly limited allocation. shop here >>