ROHE Southern Valleys Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023

Description

Cherry, Oak, Spice

"Aromas and flavours of ripe plums and red cherry flesh, layers of soil, barrel and fruit spice add breadth and intrigue. There’s a light savoury quality suggesting some whole-bunch in some of the ferment. Dry, textured with tannins and plenty of acidity frame the fruit core reflecting the bouquet. Well made, youthful, dry and ready to enjoy from late 2025 through 2029+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Feb 2025

Dark cherry, red berry and violet flavors, complemented by chocolate and supple spice. The fruit flavours are framed with velvet-like tannins and a core of juicy acidity. This wine is immediately enjoyable but will continue to drink well for the next eight years.

The word "ROHE" means territory in te reo Māori. This range was created to re-image Marlborough and uncover the unique characteristics of the sub-regions. The clay rich soils of the Southern Valleys sub-region naturally restrict vine vigour and produce Pinot Noir fruit with concentrated flavours and supple tannins. This subregion sits inland, away from the Marlborough coast, with cool evening temperatures during the critical ripening period.

The 2023 growing season started with above average bunch numbers in most districts in Marlborough. The weather around veraison was unstable. We just missed out on the destruction of the cyclone that hit the east coast of the North Island. The nights were particularly cool, and this helped to stop any levels of botrytis that had started in the early season. We harvested fully ripe grapes with concentrated flavours and classic acidity. The fruit was hand harvested, located in the Ben Morven, Waihopai and Omaka Valleys. The fruit was cold soaked for five days, prior to natural fermentation. The ferment included 40% whole bunch for elevated aromatics. After fermentation the wine was aged for ten months in 225L French oak barriques, with a total of 22% new oak.