Dicey 'Black Rabbit' Pinot Noir 2020

Dicey is a renowned winery in Central Otago, New Zealand, known for crafting expressive Pinot Noir. The Dicey 'Black Rabbit' Pinot Noir 2020 is a standout wine from their collection, produced from the Bannockburn subregion, which is famed for its intense and concentrated wines. The Dicey family, long-time viticulturists in Central Otago, focuses on small-batch, high-quality Pinot Noir production, using sustainable practices to reflect the terroir of the region. The Black Rabbit vineyard, from which this wine comes, is particularly special, located on a steep, north-facing slope that gets plenty of sunlight, allowing the grapes to ripen fully and develop rich, concentrated flavours.

Bannockburn’s terroir is unique due to its schist soils and arid climate. The vineyard’s elevation and exposure to strong diurnal temperature variation (hot days and cool nights) contribute to this wine’s balance of intense fruit and fresh acidity. Dicey takes a minimalist approach in the cellar, using wild fermentation and a restrained amount of new French oak, ensuring that the wine maintains a natural purity and sense of place.

Appearance: A deep ruby red with a bright, translucent edge, indicating both its concentration and elegance.

Aroma: The nose is rich and layered, with ripe dark cherry, black plum, and wild raspberry interwoven with earthy notes of dried herbs, forest floor, and a hint of warm spice from the oak.

Taste: The palate is powerful yet refined, offering intense flavours of dark cherry, plum, and redcurrant, alongside hints of clove, black tea, and subtle smokiness. The wine is supported by smooth, velvety tannins and a refreshing acidity that balances its richness, providing great structure and depth.

Finish: The finish is long and complex, with lingering dark fruit, a touch of spice, and an underlying mineral freshness that reflects the schist soils of the vineyard.

Food Pairing: This Pinot Noir would pair beautifully with venison loin, where the wine’s bold fruit and earthy complexity complement the rich game meat. It would also be a great match for truffle risotto, with the wine’s earthy and dark fruit notes enhancing the luxurious flavour of the truffles while its acidity cuts through the dish’s creaminess.