Vintage 2016 will be remembered for the first year we few a helicopter at our Mt Maude vineyard, protecting the new spring growth from the often disastrous frosts (the first year in 22 years). It worked. The cooler start to the season meant bunches were smaller than in recent years, yields were lower. Our typically beautiful Central Otago summer and autumn weather, with record high temperatures in February ensured the quality of fruit on the vine. In contrast to the compressed season prior, 2016 gave us time, time on the vines to ripen slowly, develop favours and harvest when we deemed the grapes perfect – definitely one of our best and most enjoyable seasons to date.
From the Poison Creek Vineyard in Queensberry / 280m elevation / planted in 2003. The name refers to the pure mountain stream that provides the water vital to the growth of this vineyard planted on an ancient and free draining river terrace. Clone 5 30% whole cluster / 30 days maceration – perhaps the most refined of the 4 single vineyard Pinot Noir. Inky, blackcurrant vine and violet aromas – a sinewy and structural frame with remarkable line and length.