14% A blend of selected vineyards located in the Awatere and Wairau Valleys. Selected Pinot Noir clones were individually hand harvested, 100% destemmed and cold soaked for an aided extraction period. Specific parcels of wine were allowed to ferment naturally while others were inoculated with selected yeast strains. To intensify the flavour and mouthfeel, the fermentation temperatures were allowed to reach 32oC. Post ferment the wine was pressed to a selection of French barriques (35% new) where the wine rested until spring on full yeast lees. After natural malolactic fermentation, the wine again rested and, following a total maturation period of eleven months, received its first and only racking from barrel. To preserve the intense fruit flavours and fine tannin structure, natural winemaking techniques including minimal handling, fining and filtration were employed throughout the life of this wine Some nice warm oak on the nose and darker fruits. Warm, but not hot and the fruit is ripe and juicy. Good. 103 stores 07/10/2008
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