Product Description:
Dog Point is widely regarded as one of Marlborough’s premier wine producers, and the Dog Point Pinot Noir 2021 is a classic showcase of their commitment to quality, terroir-driven winemaking, and organic farming practices. With an unwavering focus on low cropping and precise vineyard management, Dog Point has earned its place among New Zealand’s most respected wineries.
Crafted from a blend of six different clones planted on vines over 30 years old, this Pinot Noir represents the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. Hand-harvested and meticulously sorted, the fruit includes 25% whole bunches and undergoes fermentation in small stainless-steel open-top fermenters using indigenous yeasts. After fermentation, the wine is matured for 18 months in French oak barrels (30% new), allowing it to develop the depth and complexity that Dog Point is renowned for.
The result is a Pinot Noir that exudes power and concentration while maintaining a remarkably supple structure. A wine that will continue to evolve beautifully in the bottle for years to come.
Maker
Dog Point Vineyard is one of Marlborough’s oldest and most respected privately owned wineries, founded by Ivan and Margaret Sutherland in the late 1970s. As pioneers in the region, they helped shape the evolution of the Marlborough wine industry, with the Dog Point label officially launching in 2004. Today, the vineyard remains family-owned, with the next generation continuing the tradition of producing wines with uncompromising quality and attention to detail.
The vineyard is New Zealand’s largest certified organic vineyard, producing wines that reflect the pristine environment of Marlborough. Dog Point’s wines are made with minimal intervention, using wild yeasts and a philosophy focused on authenticity, balance, and the natural expression of the land. This commitment to organic viticulture and low intervention winemaking allows their wines to shine with purity and complexity, making each bottle a true representation of the Dog Point estate.
Philosophy
At Dog Point, the philosophy is rooted in organic farming, sustainability, and a commitment to the land. They believe that the best wines come from the vines themselves, nurtured by nature, with minimal intervention during the winemaking process. Dog Point’s organic principles are reflected in every step of their production, from hand-picking the grapes to fermenting in French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts.
The estate’s vineyards are planted on free-draining silty clay loams and hillside blocks, which provide optimal conditions for slow ripening, allowing the grapes to develop deep, concentrated flavours. Dog Point’s low-cropping approach ensures that only the best fruit is selected, and the use of minimal filtration and no fining in the winery reflects their hands-off ethos. This dedication to organic viticulture and minimal intervention ensures that their wines are as expressive of the land as they are of the winemakers’ vision.
Reviews + Accolades:
A bit of toasty char, dried herbs, carob and coffee grounds, dried roses and dark cherry. Powerful, dark cherry, damp earthy coffee slightly bitter things, tight ripe sooty tannin, sappy acidity, and a firm, long and peppery finish. Intense, but good. No shortage of character. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 30 September, 2021, 94 Points
Intense, appealing pinot noir with subtle floral aromas together with concentrated red berry, dark chocolate, liquorice, wood smoke and spicy oak flavours. Powerful wine with obvious cellaring potential. - Shanteh Wale (The Real Review) - 95 points
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Complex, Elegant, Spicy
A vibrant blend of red cherry, dark berries, and brown spices, intertwined with subtle hints of oak and earthy undertones. Distinct freshness, balanced by layers of complexity and depth, offering a captivating introduction.
Palate
Succulent, Silky, Layered
Richly textured and succulent. The red cherry flavours are complemented by an array of brown spices and an undercurrent of earthy notes. Fine-boned tannins that lend structure while maintaining an elegant and smooth mouthfeel.
Finish
Long, Structured, Refined
Long and lingering, showcasing the wine's ability to evolve over time. The fine tannins leave a refined, velvety impression, while the fruit and spice flavours persist gracefully.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - New Zealand
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%