'The First Paddock'
GIBBSTON VINEYARD

CENTRAL OTAGO, PINOT NOIR 2022

Forest floor, redcurrant and Asian spice aromatics give this wine a distinctive Gibbston Valley character. Smooth velvety tannins immerse the pallet with great elegance and poise.

Learn More about The Private Paddock Wine Club

About the Wine

“We grow our premium Two Paddocks Pinot Noir entirely on our four small vineyards in Central Otago. In some exceptional vintages, listening carefully, we realise that one of these sites may have something extraordinary to say in its own right. It is only then that we will make one of these very rare single vineyard wines.” - Sam Neill, Proprietor

The First Paddock is the much loved original Two Paddocks vineyard. Planted in 1993, it is now one of the older blocks in Central Otago. Superbly situated in the midst of upper Gibbston, planted in carefully selected Burgundian clone pinot noir vines and meticulously tended. Soil foundations are derived from the surrounding mountainous schist and windblown loess, but higher rainfalls over the millennia have resulted in increased fertility in these blocks.

Critic Review

“The alluring bouquet shows ripe cherry, bouquet garni, game, fennel, and roasted hazelnut aromas. It’s equally appealing on the palate, offering terrific weight and persistence. Wonderfully structured by rich texture and finely infused tannins, it’s robust yet silky with a sensually appealing finish.” 97 Points, Sam Kim

Full technical notes

REVIEWS

VINTAGE COMMENTS

Spring and early summer started off well as temperatures steadily increased and regular rainfall meant soil moisture was high enabling the vines to easily access nutrients, so the vines had strong healthy early growth.

February was cooler than typical though with several cold southerly fronts bringing rain, which slowed veraison and seemed to stall what was at that point heading for an early harvest. Then March was far warmer and actually surpassed February for heat accumulation – and an early harvest was back on! Harvest 2022 began on the 24th March and The First Paddock was picked on the 13th and 14th April at 23.2 Brix.

Winemakers Note

Sourced from the first twenty-five rows of UCD Clone 5 on own roots, planted in 1993 at The First Paddock Vineyard, Gibbston. Hand harvested and sorted, then a 78% whole bunch indigenous ferment in a dedicated First Paddock French oak cuve. The total fermentation was over 28 days consisting of an 8 day cold soak, 12 days at 20 to 33 degrees celsius and a warm 8 days of post fermentation at 22–30 degrees celsius. Plunged once per day over fermentation and matured in 25% new French oak with the balance in older wood for 12 months of barrel maturation.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

PH Level

3.61

Total Acidity

6.1

Alcohol

13%

Bottled

April 2023

Cellaring

2025-2033

Winemaker

Dean Shaw

Viticulturist

Mike Wing

Total Production

163

The alluring bouquet shows ripe cherry, bouquet garni, game, fennel, and roasted hazelnut
aromas. It’s equally appealing on the palate, offering terrific weight and persistence. Wonderfully
structured by rich texture and finely infused tannins, it’s robust yet silky with a sensually appealing finish. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2037

Sam Kim, 97 Points, Nov 2025

Susie and Peter, Masters of Wine, 96 Points, Jan 2026

Fabulous bouquet with a very bright, lively and fruit centric bouquet. Layers of red berries and stone, some savoury ideas then wild red flowers, clay then lees and barrel spice with a gentle smoky quality. Youthful and complex. Dry, taut, textured and delicious with core red berry flavours, ripe dark cherry , clove and vanilla, some nutmeg and toasty wood flavours. Tannins deliver a definitive power, lots of polish and impact while the acid line carries flavours and freshness. A delicious wine, best on its own. Drink well from today though best from 2028 through 2036+.

Cameron Dougals, 96 Points, Oct 2025

Lively, racy and driven, this pinot noir impresses with its aromas of fresh strawberries, forest berries, stones, forest floor and orange blossoms. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Refined texture and character, with juicy fresh fruit and a vivid finish of length. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

James Suckling, 96 Points, Oct 2025

The compelling 2022 vintage was estate-grown at Gibbston, hand-picked from vines planted in 1993, and matured in French oak barrels. Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, rich, ripe and rounded, with deep, cherryish flavours, hints of spices and herbs, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. A very graceful red, it should break into full stride 2028+. Certified organic.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑, Michael Cooper, Nov 2025