Pinot Noir
Celebrating International Pinot Noir Day: A Journey Through Time and Terroir
As we raise our glasses to celebrate International Pinot Noir Day, there's no better time to explore the intricacies that make this varietal one of the most revered in the world of wine. Today, we’re taking you on a journey through the crafting of a Pinot Noir that embodies the essence of Wairau Valley’s terroir and the meticulous care of its winemaking process.
The Art of Harvest and Fermentation
Our Pinot Noir story begins in early April, when the grapes were harvested at the peak of their ripeness from the renowned Wairau vineyard. Known for its unique climate and soil composition, Wairau Valley offers the perfect conditions for Pinot Noir grapes to thrive. After harvesting, the grapes were destemmed and carefully pumped into open-top fermentors, setting the stage for a process that would transform them into a wine of remarkable depth and character.
The journey starts with a pre-fermentation maceration at a cool 12ºC, a crucial step in extracting the rich color and tannin that Pinot Noir is famous for. This slow and deliberate process allows for a gentle extraction, preserving the delicate nuances of the fruit.
From here, the must embarks on a wild fermentation, a natural and unhurried process that fully embraces the yeast present in the vineyard and winery. The fermentation was swift, with temperatures reaching a peak of 30ºC, and twice-daily cap punch downs ensured maximum flavour extraction and tannin development.
Post-Fermentation and Barrel Aging
Once fermentation was complete, the wine remained on the skins for an additional five days. This extended skin contact deepened the color and infused the wine with the robust structure needed for longevity and richness—a hallmark of great Pinot Noir.
The next step in this wine's journey was pressing, where the free-run juice was carefully separated and sent to French oak barrels for an 18-month aging process. A judicious mix of 2- and 3-year-old oak barrels was selected, allowing for a slow and elegant integration of oak. The result is a beautifully balanced wine with subtle spice and medium toast characters, enhancing the natural complexity of the Pinot Noir.
The Final Touches
After 18 months of barrel aging, the wine was bottled and allowed to age for an additional six months before its release. This final aging period helped to refine the wine’s texture and polish its flavors, preparing it for its moment in the spotlight.
What the Experts Are Saying
This Pinot Noir has garnered praise from some of the industry’s most respected critics.
Sam Kim of Wine Orbit awarded it 94 points, describing it as "complex and engaging, showing spiced cherry, clove, thyme, and smoked game characters on the nose." He went on to commend its "silky texture and fine grainy tannins," noting that it finishes "firm and wonderfully long." Kim suggests it’s at its best now through 2025.
Cameron Douglas MS also offered high praise, giving it 94 points and highlighting its "impressive consistency, purity, and aging potential." Over five days of tasting, Douglas observed the wine’s ability to maintain a core of dark red berries, cherry, and plum, alongside layers of wood spice and fine tannins. He described it as "well made, a wine for today and the cellar," with a best drinking window from 2021 through 2030.
A Toast to Pinot Noir
On this International Pinot Noir Day, we invite you to savor this remarkable wine, a true reflection of its origins and the passion behind its creation. Whether enjoyed now or allowed to age gracefully in your cellar, this Pinot Noir promises to be a companion to many memorable moments. Here’s to the enduring allure of Pinot Noir and the craftsmanship that brings it to life!
