Draft:Clos Ostler

Clos Ostler was identified in 1998 as a vineyard site with potential for producing premium cool-climate wines. The site is located on the north-facing limestone terraces near Duntroon in the Waitaki Valley, a region in the far south of New Zealand’s South Island that was largely undeveloped for commercial viticulture at the time.^[2] The founders selected the site based on its geology and climate, which they believed could support Burgundian varietals such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

The first plantings at Clos Ostler began in the early 2000s, with Pinot Noir established as the principal variety in 2002. Small amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris were planted subsequently, as the vineyard’s performance and suitability for cool-climate varieties became better understood.^[3] Over the following decade, the vineyard contributed to a broader increase in plantings across the Waitaki Valley, as other producers took interest in the unique limestone soils and climate of the region.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Clos Ostler fruit was sourced by specialist winemakers in New Zealand and internationally for small-batch, site-specific expressions. The vineyard’s reputation grew through critical attention, including featured tastings by international commentators, which helped shift perceptions about the viticultural potential of the Waitaki Valley.^[4]

Clos Ostler is situated in the Waitaki Valley, a cool-climate region spanning North Otago and Canterbury. The climate is semi-continental, with significant diurnal temperature variation that enables slow ripening and retention of acidity.^[1]

The vineyard is planted on limestone-derived soils formed from an uplifted seabed dating back millions of years.^[5] Limestone soils are relatively uncommon in New Zealand viticulture and are associated with structure and mineral expression in wines.^[6]

The vineyard comprises approximately 8 hectares of north-facing slopes with rocky limestone outcrops.^[7]

Clos Ostler is planted primarily with Pinot Noir, with small blocks of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The Pinot Noir plantings include Dijon clones such as 115, 667 and 777, alongside heritage material including Abel.^[8]

The vineyard’s limestone soils, wind exposure, and marginal climate contribute to low yields and concentrated fruit.

Wines sourced from Clos Ostler have received consistent attention from international wine critics.

Jasper Morris MW, writing for Inside Burgundy, described a Clos Ostler Pinot Noir as “silky and ripe” with “impressive depth and intensity,” highlighting both fruit concentration and balance.^[9][10]

Raymond Chan Wine Reviews has awarded scores of 19/20 (approximately 95–96 points) to multiple vintages, describing the wines as having “lacy, engaging acidity” and refined structure.^[11]

Cameron Douglas MS has noted the wines’ “fine needle-point tannins” and mineral structure, indicating their capacity for long-term ageing.^[12]

Stephen Wong MW has described the wines as “sleek and compact,” with layered fruit and structural precision.^[13]

International critics have also reviewed Clos Ostler wines. Decanter described a recent vintage as showing “wild raspberry, cranberry, red plum… with a tight mineral spine and very fine, chalky tannins.”^[14]

The Wine Advocate noted that Caroline’s Pinot Noir offers “ripe notes of cola, plum and black cherry… with floral elements of rose petals,” highlighting both richness and freshness.^[15]

Wine Spectator described the wine as “lush and rich… with ripe black cherry and blackberry” and a complex finish.^[16]

Across reviews, wines from Clos Ostler are consistently characterised by red and dark fruit, floral aromatics, mineral texture and structural precision associated with limestone soils.

Clos Ostler is regarded as part of the group of vineyards contributing to the emergence of the Waitaki Valley as a recognised wine region.^[1]

• New Zealand wine
• Waitaki Valley
• Central Otago wine region