2017 Quartz Reef Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Biodynamic, Central Otago

Divine ruby red in colour with intense cherry and berry aromas. Rich on the palate with dark cherry, subtle floral and herbaceous notes. Excellent depth, fine tannins and a long vibrant finish.

Vineyard
This wine is from our BioGro certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic estate vineyard located in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago. The vineyard was planted in 1998 after careful site selection. The soils on the beautiful north facing slope are Waenga fine sandy loam and Letts steepland with an elevation of 217 – 264 metres, on 44.55° south. Clones: 10/5, 5, 115, 667, 777 & Abel.

Vintage
Although our Central Otago summer was cooler and windier than usual the fruit proudly ripened as normal. The season produced smaller bunches and lower berry weight which resulted in the grapes being concentrated with pleasing structure and weight.

Winemaking
Hand-picked on the 31st March and 5th April. Each clone was small batch vinified with a small percentage of whole cluster per ferment. Cold Soaked for up to 7 days before indigenous yeast fermentation kicked in. Gentle plunging each day, followed by post maceration of up to 11 days to ensure optimum fruit and tannin balance. Total time on skin; 23 days. Drained directly into selected French oak barriques (28% new) where the wine aged for 12 months during which wild malolactic fermentation occurs. The winemaking was very much in keeping with the traditional practices of the Old World. The winemaker, Rudi Bauer, has combined these techniques, and his own personal understanding, to create this wine.

Technical
pH: 3.66, TA: 5.5 g/L, Alc: 14.0%
Bottling Date: 21st August 2018
Ageing Potential: 6 – 9 years