Wild Irishman TLW "The Light Within" Pinot Noir 2024 [TWNZ 96]

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).

Very expressive nose with perfumed clouds of sweet raspberry, strawberry, violet candy and cinnamon oak bursting forth from the glass. The palate is intensely sweet-fruited yet also held in a firm nest of tea-like grip as the submerged, velvety tannins and notes of oak build towards the finish. Very young and unevolved, it is currently dominated by flavours of violets and purple fruit with remarkable length and persistence. Powerful yet elegant, the melting fruit coulis core and vibrant acidity is hiding some serious architecture. This will be impressive if given time to develop in bottle 20 Nov 2025. 96 points.