Sato, Pinot Noir, Central Otago

A Quick Visit to Queenstown - The Winery (The Winery, Queenstown) : Ripe strawberry and cranberry lead the palate, layered with dry herbal notes and hints of rose petal. Medium bodied with dry, youthful tannins, showing good balance and plenty of fresh energy. The fruit comes from the Domain Road vineyard, clearly expressing typical Bannockburn terroir. Vibrant and balanced, with a bright, youthful character that promises further development with time. JS 94 Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 17/20, Overall 4+3/10 …

A departure from Sato’s more structured vintages, the 2024 is a gentler, silkier take on Central Otago Pinot. The fruit sits in the red spectrum (raspberry, wild strawberry, redcurrant), framed by a rosy perfume. Despite being 100% destemmed, there’s a subtle leafy note that Yoshi attributes to the lees rather than the stems. Fine finish of excellent length. Terrific wine.

Heavy sediment, but no green whole bunch traits. Quaffable, village level pinot.