This elegant fruit forward pinot has rich plum and cherry characteristics dominating the nose with hints of wild raspberry coming through underneath. A lovely light earthiness ties these aromas all together and continues onto the palate along with a subtle black pepper spice and wood shavings. This is a mid-weight pinot with well integrated tannins carrying through to an extended finish.

Grapes for this wine were grown on a hillside vineyard in the Omaka Valley sub region of Marlborough. This area is famed for producing rich and structured wines. The clones used were 115 and 777.
The fruit was handpicked. 30% whole clusters were used in the ferment. The cap was worked with gentle pump overs during cold soak and the early stages of fermentation. The cap was worked harder towards the end of ferment and the wine pressed off at its completion. The wine was aged in French oak for 10 months, 25% of which were new. The wine was given a coarse filtration prior to bottling. Naturally occurring sediment may be present.

Spring was dry to start the growing season and late frosts in early December threaten but didn’t impact and fruit set was great. Some rain during the growing season in January provided plenty of nutrients and juicy weight to the fruit. A hot and dry summer delivered a harvest as smooth as can be with continuous fruit supply keeping the winery busy. Overall we received slightly above average yields with optimum quality fruit.

Food Pairing: This is a fabulous food wine, for a twist on convention we recommend having it alongside a spicy Sichaun beef dish