Allan Scott - Scott Base Pinot Noir 2023

A Legacy of Excellence

Allan Scott Family Winemakers, one of New Zealand’s pioneering wine producers, brings you the Scott Base Pinot Noir 2023—a wine that encapsulates the rich viticultural heritage of the Scott family. Based in the renowned Marlborough region, the Scott family has extended their winemaking prowess to the terraces overlooking Cromwell and Lake Dunstan in Central Otago. Known for its bright berry fruits and balanced complexity, Scott Base is a label synonymous with classic Central Otago Pinot Noir.

The Vineyards and Terroir

The Scott Base Vineyard, strategically planted on the terraced landscapes above Cromwell, benefits from unique climatic conditions. The combination of warm days and cool nights, alongside sandy, silty loam soils, fosters the development of small, concentrated Pinot Noir berries. This environment encourages a wine rich in color, aromatic brilliance, and taste complexity.

Crafting the 2023 Vintage

This 2023 vintage champions traditional winemaking practices with an eye for modern precision. Harvested by hand to maintain the integrity and quality of the grapes, the Pinot Noir undergoes a meticulous whole berry fermentation. Extended skin contact of about 30 days allows for the extraction of deep color and fine-grained tannins, resulting in a wine that balances fresh fruit intensity with nuanced savory notes.

Oak Maturation and Bottling

Scott Base Pinot Noir matures in French oak barriques for 8-10 months, with a careful selection ensuring 30% new oak. This process integrates subtle oak-derived spice and sweetness without overshadowing the vibrant red fruit character. Light racking and filtration before bottling guarantee clarity, allowing the true expression of Central Otago terroir to shine.

Tasting Profile

The 2023 Scott Base Pinot Noir delivers a bouquet of strawberries, red cherries, and raspberries, underpinned by traces of wild thyme and dried herbs. The palate is elegant, offering harmonious layers of red berries, yellow plum, and a light mineral streak, complemented by fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine’s medium body and refined structure make it both immediately pleasurable and capable of maturing gracefully over the next several years.

Ideal Pairings

Versatile and food-friendly, this Pinot Noir pairs exquisitely with duck, game birds, pork, and lamb. Vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto or roasted vegetables also make excellent companions, highlighting the wine’s herbal and fruity notes.

An Invitation to Indulge

Embrace the allure of Central Otago and the distinguished craftsmanship of Allan Scott with each glass of Scott Base Pinot Noir 2023. This wine promises a sensory journey through one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, leaving a lasting impression with its elegance and depth.