One of the (many) attractions to the field of Winemaking is that singular combination of art and science employed to craft each wine, every year. The Science is well defined, and the literature is continually being added to; the Art is not so easy to pin down. It is born of the individual winemaker and their Muse and exists in the heart; it finds its expression within the senses of the imbiber. This wine is the result of our Winemaker let loose to practice his Artistry on fruit from other sites within Central Otago.
Created from a single vineyard site high in the Dunstan foothills this Pinot Noir speaks with great eloquence of its origins. Very high-quality fruit and excellent physiological ripeness allowed for a generous inclusion of whole bunches in the ferment, adding spice and texture to the wine, and further complexity and harmony was encouraged with extended maturation in barrel. This wine shows a dense core of dark cherries, suggestions of star anise and cinnamon, firm yet pliable tannins and a structure defined by length and elegance. Fine tension and minerality underline the palate and indications are strong for a decade or so of cellaring should you wish; please be aware a fine deposit may occur as a result of our minimal handling philosophy.
96/100 - Bob Campbell (The Real Review) - "Gently aromatic pinot noir with appealing and nicely integrated floral/red rose, dark cherry, vanilla, cassis, strawberry cream flavours. Mouth-watering wine that has been made with a light touch. Charming wine that is drinking well now"
95/100 - James Suckling - "The aromas and brightness are impressive, with rose petals, pure sliced strawberries and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with smoke, caramel and strawberry flavors. Juicy and so flavorful at the end. So much going on here and lots of structure. Polished and very curated"
