2018 Domaine Thomson Rows 76-89 Pinot Noir 750ml

The 2018 Domaine Thomson Rows 76–89 Pinot Noir is a precise, single-block expression from Lowburn in Central Otago, showcasing depth, structure, and clear site character. Produced by Domaine Thomson, this wine is sourced exclusively from a defined section of the estate vineyard—Rows 76 to 89—selected for consistently producing fruit with concentration, aromatic detail, and fine tannin structure. Situated in the Lowburn subregion, the vineyard benefits from Central Otago’s continental climate, with warm days, cool nights, and low rainfall supporting slow, even ripening. The excellent 2018 vintage delivered purity and balance, giving a Pinot Noir that combines intensity with freshness and precision. In the winery, grapes were hand-harvested and fermented with a considered inclusion of whole bunches to add lift, savoury nuance, and structural detail. Extraction was kept gentle to preserve finesse, and maturation took place in French oak barrels, with oak used judiciously to build texture and complexity without masking the fruit. Aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, and plum are layered with notes of thyme, spice, forest floor, and subtle earthy undertones. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and finely structured, with bright natural acidity, polished tannins, and a long, mineral-edged finish that reflects both Lowburn’s stony soils and the focus of a true single-block wine. Approachable now with aeration, the 2018 Rows 76–89 Pinot Noir will also reward cellaring over 10–15+ years, developing further savoury complexity and tertiary nuance.