generous expression

This ‘Eli’ Pinot Noir is a limited-edition wine representing a culmination of years of work by the Scott family one of New Zealand’s pioneering winemakers, and who have a close connection with Central Otago. Their vineyard was established in 1994, planted on terraces located in the heart of the region and overlooking the town of Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. The back-story to this wine has its origins in the 1860’s - when gold fever swept across New Zealand. Farmers discarded their ploughs in favour of pickaxes and journeyed to the gold fields of the south and in particular Central Otago. Eli Scott was one of these pioneering men.
The ‘Eli Collection’ Pinot Noir undergoes a meticulous selection process, being sourced from their finest rows, carefully handpicked and then whole bunch fermented in the winery. This wine was allowed to macerate on skins for around 30 days to extract ideal colour, flavour, fruit characters and varietal tannins.
After fermentation the wine aged for 12 months in Tonnellerie François Frères oak barrels. Then after tasting, they carefully select the top two barrels, blended them and allowed the wine to mature for an additional 12 months in oak. Finally, they select the premier barrel for inclusion in the ‘Eli Collection’ ensuring that only the finest wine receives the ‘Eli’ label.

★ A deep cherry red colour with a crimson hue. On the inviting nose you have ripe mixed cherry aromas, with violets and dried summer herb notes. This wine even in its early development is showcasing an elegance to this generous expression of Pinot Noir. Revealing dark cherries, wild currants and ripe plum flavours, along with vanilla, dried herbs and all supported by a good structure, fruit extraction, varietal acidity and fine oak tannins. This wine genuinely and confidently reflects the terroir of Central Otago, while signing off with a memorable dismount.

This 2022 Allan Scott ‘Eli Collection’ Pinot Noir has 14% Alc./vol. Made in a classic dry style. Good decanting recommended and serve in a medium to generous shaped wine glass at 16° - 17°C. • *NZ$150.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 11/7/25)
With good decanting, this vintage is approachable now; though it would appreciate another 18 - 24 months and should age gracefully for another 8 - 10 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with slow roasted duck, lamb cutlets w/ cherry sauce, pork-n-crackling, mushroom & truffle pasta, along with earthy vegetarian cuisine, and aged truffle-brie on lightly toasted brioche - enjoy.