Tohu Whenua Awa Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021

Description

Oak, Plum, Spice

Displaying brooding dark fruit aromas with notes of forest floor and harmonious spicy, smoky oak this richly textured Pinot Noir is sourced solely from our Awatere Valley vineyard. A complex and elegantly structured wine.

Awatere Valley Marlborough, New Zealand. Blocks: organically farmed Araroa and Tohu blocks, Planted 2002. 7.73 ha. Loam soils varying from shallow to deep silt and fine sand.

The growing season began with some unsettled weather over flowering resulting in low yields across the Pinot Noir blocks. Low crop levels combined with warm and dry conditions over summer resulted in pristine fruit with bold, concentrated fruit flavours. Small parcels of fruit were picked at optimal ripeness, resulting in a wine with outstanding aromatics, palate weight and texture. Grapes were sustainably grown using organic practices.

Hand-harvested grapes gently destemmed then chilled for seven days in open top vessels. Warmed for a fast ferment; the wine was then pressed directly into French oak barriques for the winter. Underwent natural malolactic fermentation once the temperatures started to warm again in spring. Rigorus blending and barrel section, with the final blend left to settle for a few more months before being bottled without the need for fining or filtration.