An unwavering commitment to first-class viticulture has been met since Kiwi-born Stewart Elms made the move away from blackcurrant farming in 1990, and purchased a perfectly exposed slope just off Bannockburn's Felton Road. It's difficult to speak of Central Otago for very long before this team pop up in the conversation - deservedly so, their wines so lovingly and consistently infused with a sensory marriage of both brightness and maturity. Indeed, it was the intention of Elms and of long-time winemaker Blair Walter (who made their first official Pinot Noir in 1997 and is still behind their magic to this day) to have all vineyards farmed organically and all fruit meticulously hand-picked to best express vintage and vine. Each of their individual labels always speak so closely of their place in the world (being some of the southern-most vines on the planet), bringing appropriate new-world charm into a grape varietal with old-world history and heritage like Pinot Noir.
In their own words, the 2025 season brought slow and measured ripening during harvest, after a temperate summer that compensated for frost damage in November. There were protracted dry spells mixed in too, which helped to delay budburst and endow the fruit with concentration, breadth and finesse before the time came to pick. We've just received our yearly allocation of these primary releases, including the fan-favourite Bannockburn entry point (forward and flashy as ever), the Cornish Point (showing seductive depth and length this year on the vineyard's 25th year), MacMuir (filled with darker intensity and forest floor opulence) and the Block 3 (perhaps the most ageworthy, with waves of chocolate, herb and tannin that will harmonise in bottle beautifully over time). All down on special for the coming week to snap up and enjoy.
We also have our final two available magnums of their previous 2024 vintage Block 3, for any larger format collectors out there. You're in pristine territory no matter which option you go for here, and as always, thesebottles will disappear over the coming weeks due to their limited nature - we recommend jumping in quick!
Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2025 -
$80 on special this week ($89 RRP)
// Certified Organic
"A classic Felton Road nose of dark florals, rose and maybe violet, with cherry compote. Textural and rich on the first attack, with a fine line of berry leaves, raspberry or boysenberry, but right through the palate there is a clear sense of tension that prevents this from ever being fruit driven. The wine has a lovely persistence with fine and dusty tannins, leaving a line of pure fruit and petals, as it eventually fades. A classic Felton Road Bannockburn." - Winemaker Notes
Cornish Point Pinot Noir 2025 -
$99 on special this week ($109 RRP)
// Certified Organic
"Inviting and attractive aromatics provide immediate focus of what is about to come: a wave of classic florals underpinned with cherry and raspberry. A burst of rich fruit leads the palate to a mouthfeel that is opulent and seductive. The vibrant finish is complimented with a fine dust of tannin lining the fruit and spice characters. A typical Cornish Point and immensely satisfying wine to aptly celebrate the vineyard’s 25th year!" - Winemaker Notes
MacMuir Pinot Noir 2025 -
$110 on special this week($125 RRP)
// Certified Organic
"MacMuir always has a distinctive nose: darker fruits, with leaf hints and a touch of forest floor. On the palate there is the immediate impact of MacMuir muscle, a solid authority rather than aggression, eventually revealing its subdued powerful core. While there is copious tannin, it is wonderfully fine, adding a note of suavity to what might otherwise be an expression of strength. An impeccable finish, long and pure." - Winemaker Notes
Block 3 Pinot Noir 2025 -
$134 on special this week ($149 RRP)
// Certified Organic
"The age of the vines (mostly 33 years) contributes to the diverse and complete aromatics – led by dark fruits, hints of leather and complexing earthy notes. Flavours are similarly complex with the mouthfeel holding its power in check for the finish. The transparency of the fruit is seasoned with its textbook dried herbs, giving a lovely counterpoint before the finish roars in; a tidal wave of rich chocolate and tannin. An object lesson in ‘Peacock’s Tail’" - Winemaker Notes
Limited magnum still available from 2024 release -
Block 3 Pinot Noir 2024 1500ml MAGNUM -
$309 on special this week ($349 RRP)
*Only two available!
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above
Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions.
// Prices valid until Friday the 31st of July