Black Estate Damsteep Waipara Pinot Noir 2017

Description

"Richer, riper and slightly more intense than its sister label from the Home vineyard. Plum, dark cherry, red rose petal, with spicy oak and slightly salty-mineral flavours. A firmly-structured wine with a dusting of drying tannins. Impressive wine with potential" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Oct 2019

Pale ruby hue. Deep aromas of wild raspberry, sandalwood and fertile earth. Flavours of silken and dense dark fruits, graphite, and dark coco powder. Supple but dense mid pallet tannins that are carried with bright and pure minerality. Typical white rock tension creates a long and persistent finish. Drink now to 2026.

Damsteep Vineyard is located in the north east of Waipara Valley at the foot of the Omihi Saddle, 10km north of our Home Vineyard. Riesling and Pinot Noir grow here with vine density of more than 5000 vine per hectare.

A dry mild winter meant a continuation of the drought in North Canterbury. However a mild Spring allowed good early Spring growth and small but regular rainfalls prevented vine stress in the first half of the season. January brought more intensity to the season with high winds and very dry conditions. Vine growth was restricted and our vineyard team worked hard to limit stress on the vine canopy. Humid weather returned in early March meaning we had to ensure ripening bunches had maximum exposure to light and ventilation to reduce the potential for crop loss to botrytis. Fruit thinning continued right up to harvest further reducing crop levels. Considerate picking decisions and careful hand sorting was required to work between rain showers and ensure only the ripest and cleanest fruit was selected. Another unique season with some late season challenges has produced rare wines with great purity and freshness and complex delicate flavours.

Organic and Biodynamic practices have been used since 2010. Certified with BioGro.