Pinot Noir TLW 'The Light Within', Gibbston, Wild Irishman 2024

Very expressive nose with perfumed clouds of sweet raspberry, strawberry, violet candy and cinnamon oak bursting forth from the glass. The palate is intensely sweet-fruited yet also held in a firm nest of tea-like grip as the submerged, velvety tannins and notes of oak build towards the finish. Very young and unevolved, it is currently dominated by flavours of violets and purple fruit with remarkable length and persistence. Powerful yet elegant, the melting fruit coulis core and vibrant acidity is hiding some serious architecture. This will be impressive if given time to develop in bottle.The “Real Review” tasting note here is from an extensive blind tasting of all Central Otago Pinot Noirs from the 2024 vintage. Wild Irishman had 4 wines in the Top Ten of all wines tasted and - apart from Felton Road Block 3 and Block 5 – the best 3 wines of the entire tasting.