95 pts · Bob Campbell MW
94 pts · James Suckling
The First Paddock is the much-loved original Two Paddocks vineyard — planted in 1993 in upper Gibbston, and now one of the older Pinot Noir blocks in Central Otago. In only the most exceptional vintages does Two Paddocks bottle it on its own; 2021 was one such year. Forest floor, redcurrant and Asian-spice aromatics give the wine a distinctive Gibbston Valley character.
Sourced from the first twenty-five rows of clone 5 planted in 1993, the fruit was hand-harvested and sorted, then given a 66% whole-bunch indigenous ferment in a dedicated French oak cuve, plunged once a day. Maturation ran an extended fourteen months in French oak (25% new, the balance in older wood). Just 150 cases were made. Smooth, velvety tannins immerse the palate with great elegance and poise.
Our Personal Take
A single-vineyard wine from the vine rows that started it all in 1993. The whole-bunch spice and silken Gibbston tannins make this one of the most transparent, ageworthy expressions in the Two Paddocks stable — a collector's Central Otago Pinot.
Perfect Pairing: Roast duck, game birds, or mushroom and truffle dishes.
The Fine Pinot Team
Winemaking & Terroir
Region
Central Otago — Gibbston
Vineyard
The First Paddock (planted 1993)
Clones
Clone 5 (first 25 rows)
Fermentation
66% whole bunch, wild yeast
Maturation
14 months French oak (25% new)
Alcohol
12.5% | pH 3.52 | TA 6.1 g/L
Production
150 cases | Screw cap
Cellaring
2023–2030
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 - 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.”
Current Vintage : 2021*
We aim to supply the vintage shown. If a vintage rollover occurs, our cellar team will contact you to confirm before dispatch.
Order Cutoff Time 10.00 AM(GMT+10) Australian Eastern Standard Time (Melbourne)
| Rate | Condition | Price |
| Standard (1-5 Bottles) | $0.00 - $349.99 | $20.00 AUD |
| Standard (6-11 Bottles) | $0.00 - $349.99 | $15.00 AUD |
| Free Delivery For Over $350 | $350.00 And Up |
Free |
| Free Shipping on 12 Bottles | 12 bottles or more |
Free |
| Split Packaging Surcharge |
13-16 or 25-28 bottles (Orphan bottles requiring a 2nd box) |
+$10.00 AUD |
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