2009 Pinot Noir

Aroma: Plum and black cherry fruits with earthy undertones.

Palate: Rich cherry and dark berry fruits fill the palate and carry through with some firmness. This is a wine of impressive structure thanks to assertive French oak including 20% new wood.

Comments: Bright natural acidity and perfectly ripened tannins highlight the luscious fruits of this perfectly balanced wine. A classic cool-climate Pinot Noir to enjoy or cellar.

Viticulture: Grown on a north-facing-bank of the Derwent River, pinot noir from this 18-year-old cool-climate-vineyard is regarded among the most consistent and reliable in Tasmania. Previous vintages have been highly acclaimed. The soils are permeable loams over limestone, imparting intensity and aromatic delicacy to the fruit.

Winemaking: Picked at flavour ripeness, the grapes were in perfect condition on arrival at the winery where they were gently de-stemmed into open fermenters and allowed to rest for four days. Fifty percent of the must was inoculated with a selected yeast strain chosen to highlight the ripe fruit characters. The balance was allowed to ferment naturally over a period of seven days. All ferments were hand plunged four times daily until dryness. Malolactic fermentation was then induced in 100% French oak, 20% new, and the wine matured in barrel over nine months.