Sheild 2023 Pinot Noir, New Zealand

Sheild’s 2023 Pinot Noir speaks first with substance. It opens deep—black cherry, plum, boysenberry—as if the wines of Nelson grew darker without losing precision. A muted whisper of wood spice and smoke drifts in, adding depth, not drama.

That color—almost opaque ruby—signals more than ripeness. It comes from smart choices in the vineyard: a mix of Abel, CL10/5, and Pommard clones, picked early in cool hours to capture freshness. A brief cold soak brings out that plush texture, while minimal crushing keeps it lively.

What carries through is balance. The fruit feels ripe yet taut, grounded by a seam of saline-mineral tension that hints at Nelson’s sunny but cool maritime climate. Gentle tannins frame the palate—they guide without pulling. The finish is quietly persistent, with just enough earthy warmth to keep things grounded.

Sheild walks a thoughtful line here. It’s not flashy, but its execution is confident: thoughtful vineyard selection, layered fruit, texture in place of extraction. It’s Pinot with its foundations laid bare but dressed with intention.

This is the kind of wine that opens doors in conversation: classic in structure, coastal in spirit, and impeccably well-made.