Pinot Noir 2022

This wine represents 500 years of Pinot winegrowing heritage and 50 years of crafting it, culminating in one of New Zealand's most magnificent yet understated Pinot Noirs. Hans’ expertise with the varietal results in a powerful and rich expression of Burgundy's finest grape, marked by striking aromas, purity, and a silky texture. The wine is matured in French oak barriques for 24 months and then aged in the bottle for over 2 years before release. Vintage 2022

Marlborough’s spring, often a little moody, set the stage for a distinctive vintage. While most varieties flowered smoothly, our Pinot Noir faced a few tricky days, resulting in uneven fruit set and an exceptionally small yield. A warm, dry growing season followed, culminating in a long Indian summer that nurtured intensely concentrated, yet still vibrant berries. Hand-picked with meticulous care at just 400 g per vine, surpassing even Grand Cru Burgundy standards, our 26-year-old vines delivered pure, impeccably ripe grapes, producing a wine of remarkable depth and character. Hans’ Winemaking Comments

The pure fruit was carefully destemmed, keeping 80% as whole berries, and underwent a four-day cold soak, protected by dry ice to prevent oxidation and spontaneous fermentation. This process enhances colour, flavour, aroma and supple tannins for a silky mouthfeel. The temperature was then allowed to rise gradually, enabling a long cool natural fermentation, free from cultured yeast or additives, to reveal the grape's true essence and terroir. After 21 days on skins, the young wine was gently pressed into French Allier barriques for malolactic fermentation. Aged 24 months in barrique, it emerges as a cellar-worthy wine. Unfined (vegan) and unfiltered to preserve its magnificent integrity. Tasting Notes

With yields rivalling those of a Grand Cru, this Pinot Noir's dark ruby hue hints at its grandeur. Intensely aromatic, it unveils layers of dark berries, cherries, violets and warm spices. The palate is deep and earthbound, with magnificent complexity, where sumptuous, silky tannins meet a savoury acidity. This refined elegance, reminiscent of Burgundy's finest, culminates in a long, lingering finish, promising remarkable aging potential for the discerning collector. Technical Data

Variety

100% Pinot Noir (Clones - UDC6; Dijon 667, 777; Swiss 10/5)

Rootstock

3309 / SO4 / Riparia Gloire

Vine Planted

1996

Soil

Shallow (