Grown on a particularly steep 5 hectare north-east facing slope. The vines here were planted in 1999 andgrow on clay overlying fractured limestone and sandstone soils. Fragrant aromas of wild raspberry, darkplum, sandalwood, vanilla and sea spray. Flavours of silken and bright wild forest fruits and graphite. Supple and elastic mid pallet tannins that are contained with bright and pure minerality. Typical white rock tension creates a long and vibrant finish.

Black Estate has carved a name for itself as a producer of world-class wines, made naturally from biodynamically-grown grapes. They're even showing that when it comes to New Zealand Pinot, you don't just have to stick to Central Otago!

Located on the northern slopes of Canterbury's Waipara Valley, the Domaine's Damsteep Vineyard is home to nine parcels of Pinot Noir vines, sitting on clay over limestone and sandstone. Like all of their wines, the grapes are fermented naturally, 100% de-stemmed and with 70% whole berries.

Lay your eyes on the vertigo-inducing slopes of its namesake vineyard and you'll see the cheekiness behind the name. Imbibe your tastebuds in its full-bodied goodness and you'll taste a Pinot Noir worth overcoming any fears for.

The Damsteep is a Pinot Noir both youthfully steeped in flavour and powerful enough to live out a fulfilling life in the cellar of a lucky quaffer - as long as they've got the patience. Possessing the richness of New Zealand's finest dark fruits, it's a drop that's as fulfilling as gathering up the courage to conquer the steepest of summits.

Damsteep. Damn good. Sure, not the cleverest slice of wordplay going around, but colour me crazy if it doesn't sum up this exceptional drop of Pinot Noir that you should get your hands on right away.