Eight Ranges Trail Rider Central Otago Pinot Noir 2023

Description

Almond, Oak, Strawberry

"Beautifully fruited and brightly expressed, the bouquet shows dark plum, strawberry, olive and toasted almond notes, followed by a juicy palate offering succulent fruit flavours with silky texture and fine tannins. Delightfully composed and expressed, making it immediately appealing. At its best now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Great core hues of purple and ruby with a soft purple rim. On the nose and palate - aromas and flavours of dark cherry and plum, there's layers of texture from fine tannins and ripe acid line. Additional complexity from layers of dried herb and granitic-like earth flavours add complexity and style. A ripe and generous wine with a sense of place and flavours that showcase the variety and regions as well as an all important pinosity factor with dark berry fruits, dried herb and judicious use of oak for complexity and length. Best drinking from late 2025 through 2032+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"Bright, perfumed aromas of dark cherries, wild raspberries, pencil and wet river stones. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and a plush mouthfeel. Fruit-driven and nicely balanced. Drink now. Screw cap" James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

It's gorgeously ripe and perfumed on the nose showing dark cherry, sweet plum, roasted hazelnut, mushroom and rich floral aromas. The wonderfully weighted palate delivers excellent fruit purity together with stylish complexity, finishing wonderfully long and velvety.

Trail Rider wines are hand made from fruit grown in some of Alexandras best vineyards, most of which overlook the Central Otago Rail Trail. These are serious wines made with no corners cut, designed to be enjoyed and shared now, although these wines will develop with time.

2023 presented challenges due to the dramatic weather shifts late in the season. However, the dry and warm conditions earlier in the year contributed to excellent ripening and clean fruit, resulting in wines with impressive flavour profiles.

All the fruit was hand harvested before being 100% destemmed before a long, slow maceration. The fruit was fermented slowly then gently pressed before spending 10months in French oak barriques, 22% of new. The wine is filtered and un-fined.