This wine represents 500 years of Pinot winegrowing heritage and 50 years of crafting it, culminating in one of New Zealand's most magnificent yet understated Pinot Noirs. Hans expertise with the varietal results in a powerful and rich expression of Burgun
This wine represents 500 years of Pinot winegrowing heritage and 50 years of crafting it, culminating in one of New Zealand’s most magnificent yet understated Pinot Noirs. Hans expertise with the varietal results in a powerful and rich expression of Burgundy’s finest grape, marked by striking aromas, purity, and a silky texture. The wine is matured in French oak barriques for 24 months and then aged in the bottle for over 2 years before release.
A small vintage, shaped by uneven flowering and irregular fruit set. However, the season unfolded beautifully, with a long Indian summer maturing intensely flavourful, healthy berries. Meticulously hand-picked at ab ultra-low yield of just 400g per vine, exceeding even Grand Cru Burgundy standards, our 25-year-old vines delivered pure, perfectly ripe grapes, for a wine of exceptional depth and character.
The pure fruit was carefully destemmed, keeping 80% as whole berries, and underwent a four-day cold soak, protected by dry ice to prevent oxidation and spontaneous fermentation. This process enhances colour, flavour, aroma and supple tannins for a silky mouthfeel. The temperature was then allowed to rise gradually, enabling a long cool natural fermentation, free from cultured yeast or additives, to reveal the grape’s true essence and terroir. After 21 days on skins, the young wine was gently pressed into French Allier barriques for malolactic fermentation. Aged 24 months in barrique, it emerges as a cellar-worthy wine. Unfined (vegan) and unfiltered to preserve its magnificent integrity.
With yields rivalling those of a Grand Cru, this Pinot Noir’s dark ruby hue hints at its grandeur. Intensely aromatic, it unveils layers of dark berries, cherries, violets and warm spices. The palate is deep and earthbound, with magnificent complexity, where sumptuous, silky tannins meet a savoury acidity. This refined elegance, reminiscent of Burgundy’s finest, culminates in a long, lingering finish, promising remarkable aging potential for the discerning collector.
Variety
100% Pinot Noir (Clones – UDC6; Dijon 667, 777; Swiss 10/5)
Rootstock
3309 / SO4 / Riparia Gloire
Vine Planted
1996
Soil
Shallow (<45 cm) well drained sandy and gravelly soil with clay-sand patches from stony alluvium.
Planting Density
Close planted at 5,500 vines/ha
Yield
1t/ha
Alcohol
14%
Residual Sugar
none, <1g/L
Ageing Potential
10+ years
Bottles Produced
555 bottles
Dry and elegant, our Pinots are a sommelier ‘s favourite for their effortless versatility in food pairing. Therese serves it with her pan-seared Canterbury duck, a truly heavenly combination.
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