Vineyard Blocks

Exclusively from our mountainside vineyard 400m above sea level. 

10 yr old vines, clones PN115 & PN777 on R99 rootstock.

Vines trained high off the ground with 5 wire vertical trellis to reduce air temperature. 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. 

 

Vintage Conditions

Slightly above average winter rain was followed by a hot and dry spring and trouble-free growing season.  A little rain delayed harvest slightly, but refreshed the struggling vines.  The small berries and moderate ripening period produced concentrated grapes with lots of flavour and sugar. 

Harvest date: 13/2/2006 @ 26° Balling.

 

Production

Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation started after 6 days cold soak. Fermented up to max. 30ºC. The cap of skins was punched down manually 1 - 2 times a day for 17 days. Wine drained directly into 2 x 225L second fill French oak barrels together with a single pressing from traditional basket press. All our red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel. 

Time in barrel 18 months with only a single racking.

Bottling date:.17 / 10 / 2007

Production: 45 x 12 x 750ml

 

Tasting Notes

Attractive deep ruby colour. Intense complex inky dark fruits, spices and smoky forest floor.  Very rich and ripe.  Rather over the top for a Pinot Noir and more like a Syrah.  Big, bold, but soft tannins. Already quite complex and ready to drink now to 2013. 

 

Analysis

Alc.  15.8           Sugar 2.5           TA 4.9           VA  0.57          pH 3.71          SO2   23free -  67total