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93
/ 100
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92
/ 100
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92
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Amen Break Central Otago Pinot Noir 2023 offers an exquisite expression of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions. Sourced from the acclaimed Gravelly Gully vineyard, this Pinot Noir captivates with its saturated purple hue and inviting aromas of ripe black fruits. The nose reveals layers of blackberry, black cherry, and subtle earthy undertones, reflecting the unique terroir of Central Otago.
On the palate, the wine is beautifully weighted, balancing rich fruit intensity with fine, savoury tannins that provide structure and elegance. These tannins add a vibrant drive and energy to the finish, ensuring a lingering, memorable taste experience. The 2023 vintage benefits from Central Otago’s cool climate and gravelly soils, which contribute to the wine’s depth, complexity, and refined character.
This Pinot Noir is ideal for those seeking a versatile wine that pairs effortlessly with a range of dishes, from roasted duck and lamb to mushroom risotto. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it also has the potential to evolve gracefully with cellaring through to 2028.
Key Highlights:
- Grown in Central Otago’s renowned Gravelly Gully vineyard, known for producing premium, terroir-driven Pinot Noir.
- 2023 vintage showcases vibrant black fruit aromatics and finely textured tannins.
- Elegant, balanced palate with a savoury finish and excellent aging potential through 2028.
Experience the distinctive charm of Central Otago in every glass of Amen Break Pinot Noir 2023—a refined, expressive wine crafted to impress and inspire.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago,
Alcohol %: 13.0%
Cellaring: 3-5 Years
Scores
93 / 100"Top notch Central Otago Pinot Noir for this price is a rarity indeed – good luck finding better for the money. From a single vineyard, the Gravelly Gully Vineyard, this is made by Matt Harrop who established his reputation with stellar Pinots (and other wines) at places like Curly Flat and Shadowfax. If I followed correctly, the reference to Amen Break is a nod to a six second drum solo from 1969, which must have been pretty smashing, given the brief time. The colour is a riveting crimson mauve. This is powerfully fragrant with notes of warm earth, forest floor, raspberries and cassis, moving to lovely strawberry jam notes on the palate. A hint briary with some blueberry notes. There is focus and length with fine tannins, and a considerable amount of them. Time in the cellar, two or three years, would allow the moderation of those tannins. Seriously good value."
- Ken Gargett – Winepilot.com
92 / 100
"This wine comes from the Gravelly Gully vineyard in Central Otago, capturing many of the region's famous characters. The colour is slightly translucent with purply crimson notes. On the nose, there is a distinctive black cherry character with slightly gravelly, earthy nuances and a trace of complex truffle. The palate is precisely defined with fine tannins and neatly integrated oak, showing real energy. It's a medium to light-bodied wine, finely balanced, and best consumed in the short term."
- Ray Jordan
92 / 100
"This is spicy and sappy, aromatic and thyme-laced, with red and blue fruit, and maybe a little whiff of wetsuit. It’s medium-bodied, kind of stony and frisky, but gee, I like its energy and tension, there’s a slight but pleasing Campari bitterness to the wine, and the finish is all wild strawberry strewn with dried herbs. There’s not much oak in play here, and it drinks well. It’s a very good wine, and the value proposition here is more than fair."
- Gary Walsh
