A Fantastic Pinot Noir from the tiny Lowburn Ferry Vineyard in Central Otago
“Nestled on a sheltered north facing terrace in the Lowburn Valley beneath the Pisa Range is Lowburn Ferry Vineyard, a family owned vineyard dedicated to the production of high quality Pinot Noir wine. Planted in 2000 the vines are hand tended to maximise the benefits of the unique terroir and microclimate.”
“Currently 3.5hectares are planted in Pinot Noir grapes – in roughly an equal mix of clones 5, 115, 667 and 777, and a smaller new block of Abel – with approximately 75% of the vineyard on a variety of root-stocks. The vineyard is managed for low cropping yields, and a minimum spray regime is maintained.”
“The fruit (clones 5, 115, 667 & 777) was hand harvested on 6th -9th April 2014 and destemmed into 3 x 5T & 1 x 7T stainless steel tanks to undergo a brief period of cold soak. Two of the tanks were inoculated with selected wine yeasts to carry out the fermentation, whilst the other two tanks were wild ferments. The wine was aged in French Oak barriques for around 10 months, of which approximately 31% was new oak.”
TASTING
I decanted this carefully, poured back into the bottle and tasted it over two days in a Gabriel Glass. It was dark cherry in colour with lovely spice, cherries, plum and black berry fruit on the nose, layers of complexity on the palate and great length. On the second day the savoury earthy / mushroom notes were a little more prominent, with red and black berries, plums cherries and spice with lovely textural palate – soft tannin subtle oak mouth feel and a warm lingering finish. A beautiful Pinot Noir with balance and finesse; something special and perfect for sipping on a cool winter evening!
13.5% Alc RRP NZ$55.00
Also have a read of the press release below where this wine was awarded Best Pinot Noir of the Show!
To find out more and purchase this wine visit Lowburn Ferry online:
Website: http://www.lowburnferry.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowburnferrywine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LowburnFerry