Quartz Reef Bendigo Pinot Noir 2023 is from the certified biodynamic Bendigo estate in Central Otago, and was rated 94 POINTS by Cameron Douglas (Master Sommelier). Ripe red berries and dried cherry meet violet and black tea, with fine, silky tannins. It is enjoyable now and made to age well.
In the glass it shows red plum, blackberry and a little dark chocolate, with dried herbs and bracken close by. A backbone of acidity keeps it fresh, and mineral qualities give it depth.
This wine would pair well with roast duck or a mushroom dish, and it is a good weekend wine.
What it tastes like
The wine has ripe red berry fruit at the centre, with fresh dried cherry and red plum. Violet and black tea sit over the top, and blackberry and dark chocolate come through underneath.
The tannins are polished and silky, and the acidity gives the wine a firm frame. Dried herbs and bracken add a savoury edge that keeps the fruit grounded. It is a wine that rewards a second glass.
Style at a glance
- Acidity: a firm backbone that frames the fruit
- Tannin: fine and silky
- Flavour: red berries and cherry with savoury herbs
- Style: Savoury, silky Central Otago red
Food to enjoy this with
- Roast duck with cherry sauce
- Mushroom risotto
- Roast lamb with rosemary
- Venison loin
- Grilled salmon, because Pinot Noir has enough acidity to match an oily fish
- A soft cheese such as Brie
Who makes it
Quartz Reef makes its wines on the Bendigo estate in Central Otago. The estate is certified biodynamic, with both Demeter and Biogro certification.
About the vintage
Writing in NZ Winegrower, Sophie Preece described a dry 2023 season in Central Otago, with about 150 growing degree days above the long-term average by midseason.
The final weeks of harvest brought rain, wind, snow and frost. Consultant viticulturist Timbo Morrison-Deaker said larger berries gave good yields, and that the year "will still be seen as a stellar vintage".
Critic scores and ratings
- 94 POINTS – Cameron Douglas MS – camdouglasms.com, April 2025
"An excellent bouquet of variety, site, complexity and intrigue. Aromas and flavours of ripe red berry fruits, spice and dried herb, a savoury complexity, fresh dried cherry, red plum and bracken. An abundance of polished tannins and backbone of acidity frame the fruit and savoury qualities. The QR wines always show a seam of soil mineral or site flavours, this wine reflects that idea also. Well made, youthful and lengthy with best drinking from late 2026 through 2033+."
When to drink it
This wine is enjoyable now. Cameron Douglas MS suggests best drinking from late 2026 through 2033+, and Quartz Reef says it has long-term cellaring potential.
Technical details
| Winery: |
Quartz Reef |
| Wine: |
Pinot Noir |
| Vintage: |
2023 |
| Variety: |
Pinot Noir |
| Region: |
Bendigo, Central Otago |
| Country: |
New Zealand |
| Alcohol: |
14% |
| Closure: |
Screw cap |
| Certification: |
Biodynamic (Demeter and Biogro) |
Where to buy
For international delivery to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, the Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023 is available from our winenz.com website. For delivery within New Zealand, buy it from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. On both websites and in both stores you can select a mixed case from a large range of wines, and if you are visiting from overseas, we can ship it home for you.
Questions we are often asked
What does Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023 taste like?
Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023 shows red cherry, plum, violet and black tea, with dark chocolate and dried herbs. The tannins are fine and silky.
What score did Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023 get?
Cameron Douglas MS rated it 94 POINTS in April 2025.
Is Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023 biodynamic?
Yes. Quartz Reef is certified biodynamic through Demeter and Biogro.
Can I cellar Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023?
Yes. Quartz Reef describes it as drinking well on release with long-term cellaring potential.
What food goes with Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023?
Roast duck, mushroom dishes and roast lamb all suit its savoury red fruit and firm acidity.
Where can I buy Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023?
The Winery ships Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023 internationally from winenz.com to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, and delivers within New Zealand from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it in our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores.
