The 2021 Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate Single Ferment Pinot Noir is a limited-production Central Otago Pinot Noir selected from a single ferment named “Velvet”, chosen by winemaker Rudi Bauer as a particularly pure expression of the biodynamically farmed Bendigo Estate vineyard. The nose is complex and savoury, showing dark cherry, dried raspberry and plum with blood orange, pink peppercorn, star anise, bracken and deep earthy mineral notes.
On the palate, it is concentrated and finely structured, with saturated cherry and plum fruit framed by fresh acidity and long, chalky tannins. The fruit was hand-picked from Block 6, naturally fermented and spent 22 days on skins before 13 months in French oak barriques, only 16% new. The finish is exceptionally long and savoury, balancing dark fruit, spice and mineral depth.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is a great choice for Pinot Noir collectors who enjoy structured, age-worthy Central Otago reds with savoury complexity and fine tannins. The 2021 received 97 points from Decanter, 96 from Cameron Douglas MS and 95 from Wine Advocate, with Cameron Douglas suggesting a drinking window of 2027–2037. Pair with roast duck, lamb, venison, mushroom dishes or aged cheeses.
