Central Otago's Burn Cottage pinot in world Top 100 list

Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, has announced Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir has been named in this year’s list of the Top 100 Most Exciting Wines of 2025.

It's the second year in a row the wine has made the list.

“Our list of honorees provides a snapshot of the year in wine, covering everything from top-scoring bottles and standout values to a wave of emerging wineries,” said Jeffery Lindenmuth, Executive Editor, Wine Spectator. “In a year that has challenged the wine industry, our Top 100 reflects the resilience, commitment and long-term view shown by producers around the world. We hope our readers enjoy exploring these great wines, and congratulations to all the winners.”

In a statement from Burn Cottage, they said they were "stoked" to have the 2023 vintage make the list.

“This is the second year in a row we have made it onto this coveted list, and it is humbling to gain such highly acclaimed recognition for our wines. We are a small family owned winery based in Central Otago and began our journey in this amazing wine growing region of New Zealand in 2002. A great deal of credit goes to Marquis and Dianne, our winemaker Claire Mulholland, our viticulturist Shane Livingstone, and the entire Burn Cottage team, for their unwavering dedication to crafting unique Central Otago Pinot Noir,” they said.

"It's a busy time of year for us, however the team will be taking time after work, to raise a glass and celebrate this fantastic result."

The Moonlight Race is a combination of Pinot Noir sourced from Burn Cottage's trio of estate vineyards: Burn Cottage Vineyard in Lowburn, and the Sauvage and Sappa Vineyards in Bannockburn.

The two Bannockburn vineyards give it lovely richness, black plum, cherry and spice flavours that are balanced by the lively red cherry, cranberry and savoury edge of the Burn Cottage vineyard.

"We like to think of it as a vibrant expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir."

These 100 bottles were chosen from over 10,200 wines reviewed in blind tastings by Wine Spectator's editors. Selections are based on four criteria: quality (based on score), value (based on price), availability (based on the number of cases made or imported into the U.S.) and the “X-factor”—a compelling story and excitement behind the wine.

Last year Burn Cottage's Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022 vintage came in at 84.

Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list has been an annual highlight since 1988, showcasing the best of wine from the past year, wineries worth watching in the future, and the producers and wines that Wine Spectator’s editors are most enthusiastic about.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.