Actor Sam Neill planted his original 2 hectare vineyard, the First Paddock site, at Gibbston in Central Otago in 1993. That vineyard has now been doubled in size and two more blocks added, the 3 hectare Alex Blocks vineyard perched above the Clutha River at Alexandra and the 5.5 hectare Redbank Paddocks site in the Earnscleugh Valley. Winemaker Dean Shaw crafts a stunning set of Pinot Noir wines under the Two Paddocks premium label along with gorgeous Pinot Noir and Riesling under the Two Paddocks Picnic label. A superb range of wines that impress with their detail and clarity.

The First Paddock is the original much loved Two Paddocks vineyard. Planted in 1993, it is now one of the older blocks in Central Otago. Superbly situated in the midst of upper Gibbston, planted in carefully selected Burgundian clone pinot noir vines and meticulously tended. This is a thoughtfully crafted expression of our foundation site.

Black cherry and plum, black liquorice, black olive, sweet spices and a whiff of lavender in a firm wine made with fruit from Neill’s first vineyard in Gibbston, with more tannic structure than usual for the winery. Complex and compelling. Date: Jun 2024; Rating: 96 Points; Decanter

From a cool sub-region although the floral/berry-fruit flavours are physiologically ripe and deliciously accessible. Silken-textured wine with a core of sweet fruit balanced by gentle acidity and fine, ripe tannins. Elegant wine. Drinking 2023-2030; Date: Jun 2024; Rating: 95 Points; The Real Review