Set against the backdrop of the majestic Pisa mountain range, Amisfield is one of the largest single estate vineyards in Central Otago.
With a bold form of pure function and its distinctive sloping roof echoing the mountains behind it, Amisfield’s modern winery sits harmoniously within its rustic surroundings.
Spurred on by fond memories of childhood holidays in Central Otago, Amisfield founder John Darby was determined to master this breathtaking yet often unforgiving high country, convinced that this dramatic landscape presented the perfect environment for cool-climate viticulture.
After an exhaustive search he discovered Amisfield Farm, formerly a merino sheep station. The first vines were planted in 1999 and they continue to thrive in this continental climate with its cold winters, hot summers and low rainfall.
In 2021 Amisfield completed the 5 year process of converting all of the Estate to organic viticulture and were named as Organic Vineyard of the Year 2020 and again in 2022 as part of that process.
Their simple philosophy is to nurture nature at every step and their hands-off approach means that the process takes time, with the wines yielding exceptional purity, intensity and vibrancy.
Sam Davies – Chief Winemaker
Coming to Central Otago is a lifelong ambition for winemaker Sam Davies. With a wealth of winemaking experience collected from some of the world’s great wine regions, he has found his special place below Mount Pisa at Amisfield. Sam hails from Auckland and graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Viticulture & Oenology in 2008. Since then he has seen vintages in wineries from Waiheke to Portugal’s Alentejo and Douro regions, the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Victoria and Margaret River.
Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Vibrant and electric pink in colour, the nose exudes florals, rose water and bright red berries. The palate combines juicy watermelon and crunchy fresh pomegranate, delicately balancing a succulent mid palate with a refreshing dry finish.
“Reasonably deep-coloured rosé with quite intense strawberry and cream, oyster shell, and raspberry flavours supported by tangy acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. Bold, flavoursome rosé.”
Bob Campbell MW – The Real Review
Pinot Noir 2021
750ml & 1.5L
Concentrated notes of black doris plum, star anise and spice combine with classic Central Otago dark fruits. Framed beautifuly by an earthy savouriness and mineral edged acidity, this wine is complemented with fine oak and fruit tannin. Great concentration, complex flavour structure with a long lingering finish.
“Concentrated wine with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry flavours together with nuances of floral and fresh herb flavours supported by moderately assertive tannins.”
94 Points
Bob Campbell – The Real Review
‘Breakneck’ Reserve
Pinot Noir 2021
“Over the years of growing on our Estate we have been impressed with the evolution of our block 7C Pinot Noir vines which are growing in the Lochar sandy loams soils with subsurface midrow irrigation and cover crops. This is our 6th release of a barrel selection from this site and third year BioGro certified organic Pinot Noir release.”
Classic Pisa sub regional flavours of deep, plush dark and cherry fruits complemented by a mineral streak. A structural, earthy palate brought on by the low yielding vintage adds a complex savoury edge that allows the wine to evolve in bottle and age extremely well.
“This pinot noir is typical of the Pisa sub-region—an intense, fragrant, vibrant wine with cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, wood smoke, violet and spicy oak flavours supported by firm, ripe tannins that suggest good ageing potential.”
95 Points – Bob Campbell MW
The Real Review