Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2024

The Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2024 is a regional expression that captures the breadth and complexity of Central Otago. Sourced from the winery’s own Queensberry and Bendigo vineyards, alongside fruit from trusted growers across Pisa and Bannockburn, this wine embodies the region’s contrasting elevations, soil profiles, and microclimates. The result is a Pinot Noir of depth, vibrancy, and beautifully woven structure.

Hand-picked fruit was predominantly destemmed into small 4.2-ton open-top fermenters for a short cold soak before wild fermentation commenced. Select ferments included up to 30% whole bunches, contributing aromatic lift and tannin architecture. Each parcel spent 24–32 days on skins, with just two light plunges daily at peak ferment to avoid over-extraction. After pressing, the wine matured in 225L oak barrels, gaining subtle spice and balance.

Tasting Note

The nose is layered and intriguing, bursting with wild blackberry, blackcurrant, and ripe raspberry, supported by notes of toasted baking spice, forest floor, and delicate florals. The palate opens vibrant and juicy, with flavours of wild berries, red cherry, and tamarillo, complemented by cola, toasted spice, and a fine, sinewy thread of grainy tannin leading into a long, elegant finish.

Small-Batch Detail

• Region: Central Otago

• Subregions: Queensberry, Bendigo, Pisa, Bannockburn

• Fermentation: Wild yeast; 0–30% whole bunch; 24–32 days on skins

• Oak Maturation: 225L barrels

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• pH: 3.58

• TA: 6.09 g/L

• Style: Light–medium bodied, vibrant, structured

• Closure: Screwcap

• Cellaring Potential: 10+ years
  

Expert Reviews

94 Points – The Shout (23 April 2025)

A “classic Nanny Goat expression” with ripe red and dark berry fruits, savoury dried herbs, soil spice, and barrel spice. Firm, dry, and polished tannins with bright acidity. “Varietal, complex, and bright — enjoy now or cellar to 2035+.”

Excellent – Otago Daily Times (21 July 2025)

“Raspberry drops and subtlety, with perfume swelling through herb, cherry, and toasty char. Crisp, zesty acidity and grainy tannins meet fruit richness. Vibrant, juicy, and beautifully structured — enjoy now with food or give it time in the cellar.”

91 Points – Silver Medal, National Wine Awards of Aotearoa (19 Sept 2025)

“Musky mushrooms and spicy plums. Pretty, alluring, and complex. Juicy and plush with fine-grained extraction.”

91 Points – Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review (16 Nov 2025)

Black raspberry, cherry, and anise define this mid-weight Pinot Noir. Tannins “build quickly toward a firm cocoa finish,” with savoury tones of black olive emerging on the long finish. Needs time to fully harmonise.

Fine Pinot Note

A beautifully assembled multi-subregion Pinot Noir that balances vibrancy, structure, and layered complexity. The 2024 Nanny Goat is expressive and textural, with the versatility to shine young yet enough depth for long-term cellaring—an excellent value for lovers of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Central Otago, New Zealand

(Image source from Misha's vineyard, Central Otago)

Central Otago has quickly established itself as ground zero for Pinot Noir in New Zealand-in the words of Jancis Robinson, "many believe this is where the Pinot grail is to be found".