• French oak
• Dark cherry & plum
• Vanilla & baking spice
• Fine tannins

"No mistaking the Pinosity with this wine showcasing aromas of primary and developing secondary fruit aromas, integrating wood scents with some vanilla and raw sugar moments. Complex and interesting. On the palate - a wine showing off its developing complexity and pinosity with flavours of plums and cherries, a savoury wood spice and abundant fine tannin mouthfeel. A decent acid line and moderate alcohol carry flavours throughout the palate. Balanced, well made and lengthy. Best drinking from purchase and through 2026" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Oct 2021

Garnet. Dark cherry, plum and bramble are complemented by a hint of earthiness and baking spice. Smooth and savoury across the palate with dark cherries, delicate acid backbone, toasty oak and fine tactile tannins.

The fruit for this Pinot Noir was sourced solely from our Woolshed Vineyard in the upper Wairau Valley. Grown on a uniquely situated north west facing site; directly below the Delta Dam; hence the 'the Dambuster'. North west facing slopes, clay soils (day/night) temperatures provide slow ripening conditions which enhance structure and increase flavour concentration in the fruit.

When the grapes for this Pinot Noir reached optimal ripeness they were hand picked then gently destemmed spending a week long cold soak. Each parcel was fermented using indigenous yeast and hand plunged to extract vibrant colour, flavour and delicate tannin structure. The wine was then separately pressed into a mix of new and old French oak barrels to mature for 12 months. Natural malolactic fermentation began at the beginning of spring.

The 2016 vintage offered near perfect conditions, with a warm start during flowering leading into a sunny and extended summer. These ideal conditions allowed the fruit to ripen evenly, resulting in fruit with heady aromas and fleshy, bold flavours.

Food Pairing: Slow cooked leg of lamb with roasted potatoes and rich gravy.