The 2023 Dog Point Pinot Noir is a beautifully expressive example of Marlborough Pinot Noir, showcasing the region's ability to produce wines of both aromatic intensity and impressive structure. Dog Point is one of Marlborough's most respected producers, with vines dating back to 1983 and a strong commitment to organic viticulture. The fruit for the 2023 Pinot Noir comes primarily from clay-rich hillside vineyards and is made from six Pinot Noir clones, with careful hand harvesting and sorting. Around 30% whole bunches are included in fermentation, followed by 18 months of maturation in French oak, around 30% of which is new.
The nose is expressive and perfumed, revealing aromas of rose petal, violet, wild strawberry and dark cherry, layered with dried herbs and subtle smoky notes. As the wine opens, more savoury complexity emerges, showing spice, charcuterie, forest floor and delicate French oak, together with hints of liquorice and dark plum. The aromatic profile is both elegant and slightly brooding, balancing the lifted floral character typical of Marlborough with a deeper savoury dimension.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied, succulent and beautifully textured, with layers of dark cherry, red berries and sweet plum supported by finely woven acidity and silky, fine-grained tannins. Subtle notes of brown spice, savoury herbs and French oak add depth without overpowering the fruit, while the clay-rich hillside vineyards provide a distinctive sense of structure and concentration. The wine has excellent purity and balance, leading to a long, mouth-watering finish with lingering dark berries, cherry, spice and gentle savoury complexity. The 2023 is still youthful, but its structure gives it considerable potential for further bottle development.
