The Valleys Brancott Valley Pinot Noir 2007
Winemaker’s Vintage Report
Vintage 2007 looks like it could be one of Marlborough’s best vintages. A combination of below average cropping levels, a long slow ripening period and perfect vintage weather conditions gave rise to grapes with exceptional flavour intensity – Marlborough’s trademark!
Earlier, the season had not looked promising. A persistent cool and wet southerly weather pattern throughout December significantly compromised flowering and reduced the number of berries per bunch - by as much as 90% in the most dramatically affected vineyards. Overall, this natural crop thinning reduced our yield by 25%.
This cooler weather continued throughout summer, delaying ripening and completely spoiling any chance I had of getting a suntan at the beach while I was on holiday in January. However, as often happens in Marlborough, right on cue at veraison in mid-February, the climate completely changed and we had the most amazing period of warm (but not too hot), fine, dry weather with progressively cooler night time temperatures. Vintage started seven days late, and extended over 28 days without a single significant rain event, allowing us to pick at our leisure based solely on when fruit flavours were at their optimum.
Produced exclusively from 25 year old, clone 5 Pinot Noir vines from our Brancott Valley vineyard. These hand harvested grapes were cool soaked before fermentation in open top oak cuvees, hand plunged, gently pressed then aged in 40% new & 60% old French oak barrels for 18 months.
Tasting Notes
This premium Pinot Noir has delicious aromas of black cherry, dark plum and fruitcake together with a distinctive lavender herbal note. A rich, full and textured palate with sweet spices, an opulent, lingering finish, and supple tannins promoting tremendous ageing potential. |
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