Two Paddocks The Major General 2023 Pinot Noir

Founded in 1993 by the proprietor, Sam Neill, Two Paddocks consists of four small estate vineyards in Central Otago. Typically, these sites are blended to produce the flagship Two Paddocks Estate Pinot Noir. However, in outstanding seasons, winemaker Dean Shaw also crafts a limited top tier barrel selection and creates an ‘uber Two Paddocks’. Sam has named this rare Central Otago combination, The Major General, in remembrance of his Great Grandfather, Brigadier General Charles Triscott, CMG DSO CB.

“My Great-Grandfather served most of his life in India and took part in the relief of Khandahar and the conquest of Burma. He looked staunchly formidable with his handle bar moustache and my Grandfather had to pluck up his courage and ask for his beautiful daughter’s hand in marriage. He also loved to entertain and I like to think he would have enjoyed this assemblage named in his honour.”
— Sam Neill, Proprietor

At the discretion of the winemaker, this assemblage is created from the three single vineyard sites and so the ratios will change every year. Hand harvested and sorted in the vineyard. An indigenous fermentation with a total of 66% whole bunch. The wine had 12 months élevage (post fermentation maturation) in French oak barrique, 20% new wood, before being blended and then spent a further 3 months melding in a neutral stainless steel vessel before bottling.