Rua Pinot Noir

Tasting Note

VARIETY

100% Pinot Noir

REGION

Region: Central Otago

VINEYARD

Select parcels from Akarua estate vineyard and a low yielding site in Wanaka.

VINTAGE 2010

Picking date(s): Blocks harvested at optimum ripeness 6/4 – 30/4 2010
Growing conditions: A cool start to the season led to a warm and dry mid summer/autumn ensuring clean fruit with optimal ripeness.
Grower Degree Days: 1020 GDD (30 Sept 2009 - 30 April 2010)
Rain mls: 211mls

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: 100% French oak barrique maturation for 10 months. 15% new with the balance in older wood. 

APPEARANCE

Vibrant cherry red with violet hues.

STYLE

Typically Central Otago with a core of juicy black berry fruit and uninhibited by heavy oak influence.

BOUQUET

Ripe berry fruits with lifted violet hues.

PALATE

A well defined Central Otago Pinot Noir exhibiting spice and dark berry fruits, layers of savoury highlights and a soft, yet bright, finish.

CELLARING

A style that has been deliberately made to drink as a young fresh red.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Viticulturist: Gillian Wilson
Winemaker: Matt Connell
Bottled: Feb 2011
Brix at Harvest: 22-24
Alcohol: 14 %
Residual Sugar: n/a
Titratable Acidity: 6g/l
pH: 3.71