2006 Pinot Noir

Winemaker’s Notes

Harvest date                    30 March – 21 Apr 2006

Sugars at harvest           24.0 – 26.8 Brix

Bottling date                    23 March 2007

Cases produced               418

Alcohol                             14.1%

pH                                     3.7

T/A                                   6.0 gm/litre

100% fruit from the Rimu Grove Estate Vineyard located in the Moutere Hills.

Mix of seven clones: 10/5, UCD 5 & 6, 114, 115, 667, 777.

Barrel aged in French oak for 10 months (41% new oak).

Grapes were picked by hand and cold-soaked for 5 days.

Wine was fermented in small open-top fermentation vats and

hand-plunged 3 times daily.

Tasting Notes:

Gorgeously plump, fleshy wine with a fine tannin balance.  Delicate, sweet-fruit flavours, with raspberry and strawberry.  Fine acidity and a lovely tail.  A hint of funk which adds further intrigue.  The wine combines a full body with a graceful balance and, although quite ready, will continue to develop complexity for several years.