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VINEYARD BLOCKS
80% 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
3 tons/ha.
20% 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 2 tons/ha.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The growing season was particularly difficult, with early
season mildew problems. 150 mm rain fell about two weeks before
harvest and we had to do a lot of sorting to ensure clean,
healthy grapes.
Harvest date: 5/2/02 & 14/2/02 @ 22.5° - 24.3°
balling.
PRODUCTION
Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation
started after 3 days cold soak. Fermented up to max. 31ºC.
The cap of skins was punched down manually 2 - 4 times a day
for 14 days. Wine drained directly into 3 x 225L barrels together
with single pressing from traditional basket press. All second
fill barrels.
All our red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
Time in barrel 20 months with only a single racking.
Bottling date: 6/11/03.
Production: 56 cases.
TASTING NOTES
Medium ruby colour. Attractive bramble berry, red cherry and
forest floor aroma. Soft, silky textured palate with some
complexity. Probably best between 2004 and 2008. Good Pinot
always accompanies a wide variety of meals from rich seafood
to pan fried beef fillet.
ANALYSIS
Alc. 13.8 Sugar 1.4 TA 5.3
VA 0.55 pH 3.55 SO2 28 - 80
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