Planted in 1993, The First Paddock is the original vineyard of Sam Neill’s Two Paddocks estate—one of Gibbston’s most treasured sites. Now among the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in Central Otago, this steep, schist-based site consistently produces wines of aromatic lift, fine tannin, and cool-climate poise.
The 2021 season was marked by climatic extremes—frosts in spring, intermittent rain during flowering, and a dry warm summer—yet it finished with a long, stable ripening period, allowing for harvest a week earlier than usual. Fruit from the first 25 rows of Clone 5 Pinot Noir, hand-harvested and sorted, was fermented with 66% whole bunches in a dedicated French oak cuve. Daily plunging, indigenous yeasts, and 14 months in French oak (25% new) brought depth and complexity to this limited production of just 150 cases.
Tasting Note
Forest floor, redcurrant and Asian spice aromatics define its Gibbston Valley character. Smooth, velvety tannins wrap around a core of sweet fruit, delivering a wine of great elegance and poise.
Small-Batch Detail
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Region: Gibbston, Central Otago
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Vineyard: The First Paddock (planted 1993)
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Clone: 100% Pinot Noir, Clone 5
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Harvest: 30 March – 22 April 2021
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Fermentation: 66% whole bunch, indigenous yeast, daily plunging
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Maturation: 14 months in French oak barriques (25% new)
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Alcohol: 12.5%
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Production: 150 cases
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Farming: Organic & Vegan Friendly
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Cellaring: 2023–2030
Expert Reviews
⭐ 96 Points – Decanter
“Black cherry and plum, black liquorice, black olive, sweet spices and a whiff of lavender… firm, complex and compelling, with more tannic structure than usual for the winery.”
⭐ 95 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
“Silken-textured with floral and berry-fruit flavours, physiologically ripe and deliciously accessible. A core of sweet fruit balanced by gentle acidity and fine, ripe tannins. Elegant and poised.”
⭐ 94 Points – James Suckling
“Energetic and lively red fruits of strawberries, cranberries and rose petals, with cloves, tea leaves and crushed rocks. Crisp acidity and finely-grained tannins, framed with precision. From organically grown grapes.”
FinePinot Note
A rare single-vineyard bottling from Sam Neill’s founding Gibbston site, the 2021 First Paddock is elegant, savoury, and profoundly site-driven. With just 150 cases made, this is a collector’s Pinot Noir of both pedigree and rarity.
