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VINEYARD BLOCKS
2/3 from our new mountainside vineyard. Clones PN115 &
PN777 on R99 rootstock.
Vines trained high off the ground with 5 wire vertical trellis.
Rows 1.5m wide. Vine density 7000 vines/ha. Lightly irrigated
on hot days to cool the vineyard and relieve stress. Yield
4 tons/ha.
1/3 from part of our original Mont Fleur block planted in
1983 for "home consumption" only. The Pinot Noir
vines represent a tiny area of approx. 0.1 ha - 5 wire vertical
trellis with 1.35m row width. Vine density 7500 vines/ha.
Soil red Hutton mostly. Clone BK5 on R99 rootstock. No irrigation.Yield
3 - 4 tons/ha.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
A dry, hot summer. The harvest was early with ripe, healthy
grapes producing big wines with high alcohols.
Harvest date: 3/2/00 & 11/2/00 @ 23.4 - 25° balling.
PRODUCTION
Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation
started after 3 days cold soak. Fermented up to max. 30ºC.
The cap of skins was punched down manually 2 - 4 times a day
for 10 days. Wine drained directly into 3 x 225L barrels together
with single pressing from traditional basket press. 1 New
French oak, other 2 second fill.
All our red wine undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
Time in barrel 16 months with only a single racking.
Bottling date: 6/7/01.
Production: 68 cases.
TASTING NOTES
Clear medium ruby - typically Pinot - colour. Complex ripe
cherry, spicy and slightly earthy aroma. Rich, silky textured
palate with enough tannic structure to provide good maturation
potential.Probably best between 2003 and 2008. Good Pinot
always accompanies a wide variety of meals from seafood to
steak. Try with wild mushroom pasta or veal dishes.
ANALYSIS
Alc. 14.25 Sugar 1.5 TA 5.6
VA 0.74 pH 3.59 SO2 63 - 136
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