Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Growing Region: Nelson, New Zealand

Owner / Winemaker: Patrick Stowe

TASTING NOTE:
If you have ever met Patrick Stowe - you will know what I mean when I describe him as a man with the passion and personality equal to that of all the cast from the stage show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat' - all packed into a figure, that when he stands on this toes, reaches the safe height of possibly 5ft5. So with this in mind, I had a smile on my face even before I poured myself a glass of his 2007 'Bronte' Pinot Noir.

Patrick's attention to detail knows no bounds - and this is shown clearly in this wine which is a blend of four Pinot Noir clones: 10/5, 115, 667, & 777. The grapes were picked by hand and cold-soaked for 5-7 days. The wine was then fermented in small open-top fermenters and hand-plunged 3 times daily. The balanced palate weight and texture of the wine was achieved after being barrel-aged in French oak for 11 months.

In the glass you have a dark ruby colour. The bouquet has sweet ripe red fruit (raspberries and boysenberries) showing notes of forest floor mushrooms and floral aromas of roses and violets. The palate is concentrated with sweet ripe fruity flavours with juicy acidity. Well-integrated oak finished with fine-grained tannins that linger on the palate. Serve at approx 15-18C. *(Limited)

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming winter season; and over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with duck, lamb, pork, seared tuna, and semi-soft cheese, enjoy.

4 Stars - Michael Cooper's 2009 Buyers Guide.