Top Wineries of New Zealand Tasting, 2025, 96 points.
Judges: Stephen Wong MW (The Real Review), Jane Skelton MW (Inside Burgundy) John Saker (Te Whenua).
High-toned and delicately floral, this has a soaring perfume which hints at oyster-shell and cool mineral notes alongside wildstrawberry and blackberry. The structure on this silky pinot noir is taut and held in by acidity, keeping everything elegant and surprisingly light-footed. Crystalline raspberry notes persist right across the very long palate, never more than light-bodied but full of energy and intensity. Intricate, detailed and poised, this uniquely silky expression will evolve over the long-term on balance and poise rather than grip. Classically beautiful 20 Nov 2025 96 points.
The 2024 Wild Irishman Three Colleens Pinot Noir is lifted, precise and unmistakably Gibbston. Grown at 480 metres above sea level, this is one of the region’s highest vineyards, an ethereal alpine site surrounded by subalpine grasses and wildflowers. Over 15 vintages, it has consistently offered a wine of elegance, clarity and quiet strength.
Dedicated to Alan’s daughters, his Three Colleens, this vintage is full of personality and poise. The nose is vivid and detailed, bursting with red raspberry coulis, intense florals and a layered minerality, finished with a soft note of caramel. Aromatically, it’s so anchored to place, with a perfume that draws you back again and again.
The palate is bright and fresh, showing delicate fruit purity, red apple skin and raspberry, framed by very fine tannins and the subtle influence of puncheon oak. It wraps around the front palate with finesse, while linear acidity pulls the wine through the mid-palate and into a long, graceful finish.
Delicate in feel but with latent power, this is a beautifully detailed expression from a truly singular site. It drinks well now and will evolve with confidence.
Only 900 bottles produced
