Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Growing Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Winemaker: Jules Taylor

TASTING NOTE:
Jules has a wonderful ability to express bright flavours in every variety that she works with, and this Pinot Noir is packed with a smile in every glass. The grapes were hand harvested in 4 tranches from late March into April 2009 as each clone of Pinot Noir reached optimum ripeness. At the winery the fruit was destemmed then cold soaked for a period of ten days, following which the 'must' was warmed. Jules allowed an indigenous (wild) ferment to take place, again with the intention of keeping as much of the original vineyard character intact as possible. Post ferment the wine was pressed and transferred to French oak barrels, 1/3 of which were new. The wine has spent 12 months maturing in oak before its bottling in March 2010.

In the glass this wine has vibrant purple hues. On the nose this Pinot Noir is showing aromas of sweet black berries, red cherries and subtle hints of spicy oak. On the palate, the wine is warm and inviting, as the wild fermentation along with extended lees maturation in barrel have added complexity and texture to the palate. This has resulted in a supple wine with good weight and fruit intensity and a good finish. Decant for approx 20mins, and serve at 16C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer; and over the next 24 months

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with seared Tuna, mushroom pasta, tapas and ripe Brie, enjoy.

Drinkability - what more can you ask for.