Mystery Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018 (08)

Description

• French oak
• Dried cherry
• Florals
• Spice

A complex and savoury nose of dried cherries, Black Doris plums, florals and spice. The palate displays lovely red berry fruit with dried cranberry and beetroot notes along with some earthy complexity.

The 2017/2018 growing season was characterised by a hot, dry summer, with healthy looking canopies and slightly lower than average bunch counts. This was followed by an extremely wet February, and then more sun in March. Flavours developed well during the warm months and so harvest started early. With more rain in March, the decision was made to pick fruit while it was still in good condition, with nice flavours, and acids and sugars in the target zone.

The fruit for this wine was harvested from four blocks. One of which was planted in clone 115, which was handpicked and fermented with 20% whole clusters. The 2nd block was machine harvested from Abel vines, and destemmed in the field. The Omaka North clones were destemmed and co-fermented in open tops. All batches were cold soaked for 5 days and then fermented in 8 T open tops (hand plunged 2-3 times per day). The wine was left on skins for a further 5-7 days post-fermentation to build structure and harmonise the tannins. The wine was gently pressed to French oak barrels for 9 months to undergo malo-lactic fermentation and maturation. 33% new oak.

Food Pairing: The bold tannins and concentrated fruit will work well with slow cooked meat or the sweet salty flavours of Peking Duck. For the perfect cheese platter, try this Pinot Noir with Comté, Gouda or Epoisses.