Forrest Brancott Vineyard Pinot Noir 2003
Vintage 2003 for Pinot Noir was dramatically influenced by a late frost right on November flowering. The crop level was reduced by as much as 70%. Such cool conditions at flowering also change the vines growth characteristic through the season. For example, bunches with few berries, variable sized berries, and vigorous shoot regrowth. Extra attention in the vineyard was required for the Pinot Noir to ensure vine balance and even crop levels – several passes through the vineyard first shoot and crop thinning, then leaf removal and finally at veraison a last crop adjustment. This wine was made predominantly from our Brancott vineyard with a small component of Northbank vineyard Clone 5, 667 and 777 are the principle clones. Excellent ripeness giving good fruit flavours and length. All hand picked fruit, destemmed, then cold soaked for 5 days prior to fermentation. Small batches plunged by hand then pressed and run into French barriques for malolactic fermentation and maturation for 10 months. Selected barriques were blended together prior to egg white fining and bottling.
Tasting Notes
Stunning in its youth – powerful, full-bodied with great depth of colour and aromatic fragrance. Classical black cherry and raspberry flavours with just a hint of aromatic herbs – thyme and rosemary. Add to this a smoky bouquet, sweet spicy aroma, finely balanced oak and supple tannin structure to give an exceptional wine which should be at its best from 2006 onwards. |
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