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 and Southview (mixed clones), Clutha 6, Cairnmuir Rise 115

Aspect: North/West

Vine orientation: East/West

Height above sea level: 270m

Soil: Young alluvial, schist based sandy/silt and sandy loams overlaying schist rock.

Vine age: 16 years

Trellis System: 2 cane VSP

Canopy Management: shoot thinned, hand leaf plucked and crop thinned.

VINTAGE 2013

Growing Degree Days: 940 GDD. Warm spring and a moderate summer followed by an autumn with good diurnal temperature range for flavour development.

VINIFICATION

Whole bunch fermentation: 10%

Pre-ferment maceration: 5 days

Yeast: Inoculated – various strains

Fermentation heat: Peaked at 31°C

Punch-downs: Twice daily

Post fermentation maceration: 6 days

Oak treatment: 10 months in 30% new French barriques, medium-plus toast, various coopers, mostly Alliers & Vosges forests.

 APPEARANCE

Deep red/Bright/Ruby.

STYLE

Displays intense black fruit flavours and the complexity that Bannockburn Pinot Noir is renowned for.

BOUQUET

Haunting aromatics of bramble fruits and spice.

 PALATE

The palate is finely balanced with red fruits and finely textured tannins. A slightly cooler vintage has resulted in a wine with great poise and longevity.

CELLARING

3-10 Years

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Vineyard Mgr        •    Mark Naismith

Winemaker             •  Matt Connell

Bottled                    •  Feb 2013

Brix at Harvest       •   22-24

Alcohol                   •   14 %

Residual Sugar       •   n/a

Titratable Acidity   •    5.8

PH                        •    3.55