Pinot Noir 2018

Why we love this wine

• Viticulture

  Conditions were very dry early in the season, with temperatures above average and no frost events. Warm conditions over flowering in mid-December resulted in good yields and strong vine growth. The good weather continued throughout January. Marlborough had two ex-tropical cyclones during February, with this wet weather causing some disease pressure around the region. March and April was generally dry which allowed for full flavour development and picking at optimum ripeness. Silty loam over free draining gravels.
• Winemaking

  The fruit was handpicked at optimal ripeness on a cool autumn morning. At the winery, the fruit was 100% destemmed and gently transferred to tank, so to ensure the ferment contained a generous proportion of whole berries. The fruit underwent wild fermentation, and after 15 days on skins the wine was pressed off and racked to French oak barriques (20% new), where it remained on lees for 16 months.
• Tasting

  Colour: ruby with purple hue. Nose: lifted red fruits, such as raspberry and ripe cherry with hints of baking spice and gentle oak notes. Palate: strawberry and red cherries with a suggestion of cocoa and five-spice. Cellaring: drink now or cellar carefully for 3-5 years.
• Makers Match

  This wine is particularly well suited to game and mushroom dishes.

• minimal-intervention

• Minimal
  Sulphites