Akarua Reserve Pinot Noir

Tasting Note

VARIETY

100% Pinot Noir

REGION

Region: Central Otago
Sub-region: Bannockburn (Cairnmuir)

VINEYARD

Akarua Estate Vineyard

Vineyard block(s): Kawarau13, 10/5 & Clutha 5
Aspect: North/West
Vine orientation: East/West
Height above sea level: 270m
Soil: Young alluvial, schist based sandy/silt and sandy loams.
Vine age: 13 years
Trellis System: 2 cane VSP
Pruning: shoot thinned, crop thinned to 2kg fruit per vine.

VINTAGE 2009

Picking date(s): Blocks harvested at optimum ripeness 9/4 – 15/5 2009
Growing conditions: A cooler season overall
Grower Degree Days: 950-980 GDD with early autumn frosts (Sept 08 - April 09).
Rain mls:

VINIFICATION

Whole bunch fermentation: Nil
Pre-ferment maceration: 5 days
Yeast: Inoculated – various strains
Fermentation heat: Peaked at 31°
Punch-downs: Twice daily
Post fermentation maceration: 6 days
Oak treatment: 10 months in 36% new French barriques, medium-plus toast, various coopers, mostly Alliers & Vosges forests. 

APPEARANCE

Deep red / bright / ruby.

STYLE

Typical Bannockburn. Complex wine with rich fruit characters of cherry, plum and briar rose. Supported by fine tannins with earthy / spice notes.

BOUQUET

Complex nose of mocha, dark fruits and spice.

PALATE

Layered and lingering. Rich palate weight, fruit supported by fine tannins and long length.

CELLARING

5-8 years.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Viticulturist: Gillian Wilson
Winemaker: Matt Connell
Bottled: Feb 2010
Brix at Harvest: 24.5 - 26
Alcohol: 14.7 %
Residual Sugar: n/a
Titratable Acidity: 6.3
pH: 3.55