Inside Track Limited Release Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022

New Zealand’s Central Otago is the next great place for Pinot Noir and Inside Track Pinot Noir comes top-secret from prime vineyards in the upstart region. It’s an exceptional taste of what Central Otago Pinot Noir is all about—intensity, purity and an incredible depth of flavor, and charming, red-fruited ripeness that splits the difference between California and Burgundy.

As the world’s southernmost commercial region, Central Otago’s unique polar position makes for cool nights, pristine air and brilliant sunshine. Master of Wine Bob Campbell explains the delicious results: “The distinguishing features that make many Central Otago Pinot Noirs stand out from other regional styles are impressive fruit density and a silken texture.”

Campbell offers another piece of advice: “If you want to turn up the volume on fruit flavor, choose wines from the ‘three Bs’: Bannockburn, Bendigo and Cromwell Basin.” Inside Track comes from the first: Bannockburn, a slightly warmer region in Central Otago. Another Master of Wine, Anne Kriebehl, writes, “It is the quality of the tannins that distinguishes Bannockburn, uniting ripeness with density and finesse.”

It's no surprise that Bannockburn is home to two of the most esteemed estates in Central Otago, whose wines regularly top the critics’ lists. The first is Felton Road (whose flagship wine fetches over $50 a bottle). They just so happen to border the winery that produced Inside Track. The second estate, Prophet’s Rock ($60+), is not far, either.

This wine more than holds its own alongside its famous neighbors. Look forward to gorgeous notes of ripe strawberry, dark cherry, licorice and spice, delivered seamlessly along smooth, tightly knit tannins and punctuated with a long, refreshing finish.

Like many fine Pinot Noirs, Inside Track is incredibly versatile. Sip it on its own (with a slight chill, if you like) or pair it with a wide range of foods. It has the light body to partner with salmon and the ripe flavors to stand up to grilled meats and veggies, roasted turkey and more.

Cases strictly limited. Get your taste of the world’s next great Pinot today.