Exhibiting defined and intense fruit flavors, this wine boasts a rich texture and weight that permeates throughout the palate. The tannins, while prominently present, are finely integrated, elegantly carrying the flavor to the back of the palate.
Hailing from a north-facing bank along the Derwent River, this Pinot Noir originates from a 28-year-old vineyard known for its consistent and reliable yields in Tasmania's cool climate. Cultivated from six distinct clones on VSP trellising, the vines thrive in permeable loam soils over limestone, each block offering varying depths of topsoil.
Harvested at optimal flavor ripeness in small batches, the grapes arrived at the winery in pristine condition. Eighty-five percent underwent gentle destemming, while the remaining 15 percent remained as whole clusters. Utilizing twenty open fermenters, 15 percent of the must was inoculated with a selected yeast strain, with the remainder fermenting naturally. Most batches macerated on skins for 28 days, receiving hand plunging four times daily. Following gentle pressing into 100% French oak, 25% new, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation naturally in spring. A touch of sulfur was introduced prior to bottling, with this vintage being filtered for clarity.