Peregrine Pinot Noir 2021 – Still Good, But Outpaced
We’d been saving this bottle of Peregrine’s 2021 Pinot Noir from Central Otago for a good excuse. It finally came in the form of lamb meatball arrabiata pasta, which felt about right for something cherry-forward and oak-kissed.
Rach and I have a soft spot for Central Otago Pinots. We even tried to visit Peregrine’s cellar door on a trip to Queenstown, only to find the gates shut. So yes, there’s a bit of a personal narrative here. But tasting this bottle in 2025, the question that lingered was: is it still worth the money?
The Wine
This vintage opens strong with bright cherry, plum, and spice—classic Otago fruit—but it quickly leans into a more brooding, leathery depth. There’s plenty of oak, a touch of earth, and that sleek Peregrine polish. It’s elegant, no doubt.
But fetl a bit underwhelming? It didn’t quite sing. Great balance, lovely nose, but lacking that final gear that makes you pause mid-meal and say damn.
The Verdict
Still a good wine. But at around $70 AUD, it’s starting to feel like it’s trading a bit on reputation.
In the same price range—or lower—you’ve got:
Coal Pit Pinot Noir: consistently outstanding, and frankly outperforms Peregrine in depth and value.
Sato Wines: a bit of a unicorn, but if you find a bottle, it’s a wild and beautiful ride. Minimal intervention, maximum soul.
Valli – Gibbston Vineyard: a benchmark for the sub-region. Plush, savoury, and precise.
All three are putting serious pressure on the regional old guard. And while Peregrine was once a top-of-mind go-to, it might be time to reconsider where the best of Central Otago is coming from right now.
Pros & Cons
+ Beautifully structured, earthy and polished
+ Familiar, consistent quality
– Slightly muted energy for the price
– Faces stiff competition from hungrier, often better, local rivals