96 Points James Suckling — Regal Pinot with Soul and Swagger

My Wine Man on Dog Point

Dog Point Vineyard is one of Marlborough's most celebrated estates, founded in 2002 by Ivan Sutherland and James Healy — two of the key figures behind the rise of Cloudy Bay. Farming their own biodynamically managed vineyards in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough, Dog Point produces wines of exceptional purity, complexity, and site expression. Their Pinot Noir is sourced from older vines planted in clay-rich soils that deliver concentration and structure rarely seen in Marlborough. This is a producer that has quietly become one of New Zealand's most important fine wine addresses, with a devoted following among sommeliers and collectors worldwide.

Tasting Notes

Impressive red-cherry aromas precede great depth and structured, handy tannins that pull real flavours out of the wine and coat the palate. This holds fresh and rich darker cherries and red plums long into the finish. Regal Pinot with soul and swagger. 96 Points — James Suckling

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied with a beautifully structured tannin frame and vibrant natural acidity, the 2015 Dog Point Pinot Noir sits in its prime drinking window right now. The wine's depth and concentration reward a 45-minute decant, which opens up the darker fruit layers and softens the tannins into a seamless, elegant finish. Serve at 15–17°C for full expression.

Food Pairing

The bright cherry fruit and structured tannins of the 2015 Dog Point Marlborough Pinot Noir make it a superb match for The Bare Bird Premium Free Range Chicken Thigh Fillet from My Meat Man. The wine's red fruit intensity and earthy complexity complement the rich, juicy character of free-range chicken thigh beautifully — whether slow-roasted with garlic and thyme, braised in red wine, or grilled over charcoal with a herb crust.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$299, the 2015 Dog Point Marlborough Pinot Noir delivers 96-point quality at a price that significantly undercuts comparable Burgundy. Dog Point's reputation continues to grow internationally, and mature vintages from this estate are increasingly difficult to find. This is a rare opportunity to drink a benchmark New Zealand Pinot Noir at its peak — structured, complex, and utterly compelling.

Looking for a Different Style?

- 2020 Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir — Central Otago intensity, dark fruit and mineral precision
- 2022 Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir — Martinborough's flagship, silky and age-worthy
- 2022 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir — Marlborough elegance, approachable and food-friendly