2021 Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage is a family-owned, biodynamically farmed 10-hectare vineyard set in the foothills of the Pisa Range in New Zealand’s Central Otago. With consulting help from Ted Lemon, of Littorai fame, the first blocks were planted in 2003 to Pinot Noir with the balance made up of Riesling and Gruner Veltliner. The property is managed holistically, incorporating cattle, chickens, bees, and native fauna to create a balanced environment for grape cultivation.
The Moonlight Race is a mixture of three sites managed by the winery, the estate Burn Cottage Vineyard in Lowburn, and the Sauvage Vineyard and Luna Vineyard in Bannockburn. Handpicked fruit is fermented with 7% whole bunches for 17 days before being pressed to French oak barrels (22% being new oak) for maturation.

Other Reviews….
Lots of boysenberry and strawberry aromas and flavors with an underlying smoky and mineral edge. It’s full and layered with beautiful tannins and a long and flavorful finish. A little tight at the end. Gorgeous and curated. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
95 Points
JamesSuckling.com

The 2021 Moonlight Race Pinot Noir is a blend of three different vineyards and multiple blocks and clones (56% is Burn Cottage in Lowburn, 22% is Sauvage Vineyard and 22% is Luna Vineyard in Bannockburn). On the nose, there is fresh red cherry, plum skin, raspberry pip and brine. The tannins are super fine in the mouth—pulverized and chalky. This is a gorgeous wine, mineral and cooling, with a svelte shape and satisfying flow of flavor across the tongue. Great! And, it must also be said, great value. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023 – 2033.
93 Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate