2022 Close Planted Pinot Noir

Handpicked from two north-east facing high density blocks, La Clairiére and The Enclave, planted to 7,700 vines per hectare. Volcanic soils, 12 different Pinot Noir clones, and super low yields (<0.5kg per vine – 30hl/ha). Like previous vintages, the decision was made to blend both blocks as the wine was more complete than the sum of its parts.

The grapes were gently destemmed, naturally fermented with 100% whole berries for 3 weeks before pressing and maturing on full lees for 12 months in French oak barriques (20% new). Blended to tank to rest and integrate for 5 months. Unfined and unfiltered, this wine was bottled in September 2023.

An attractive array of red berries- raspberry, strawberry, the slight savouriness of  rhubarb just blushing into ripeness and the clean fresh straw spread between them.

On the palate it reveals itself in layers, forest fruits yielding to the broodier notes of the forest floor. It’s etched with fine grit tannins.

It’s a taut and tense wine. Sinewy and svelte. It hums with latent potential.

Drink now (decanting recommended) or cellar up to 2032.

95/100 Halliday Wine Companion

3800 bottles made.