Summerhouse Pinot Noir 2004
Region: Wairau Valley, Marlborough
Style: Medium-bodied, slightly savoury with ripe berry fruit
Vintage notes: A very cool flowering and generally cool growing season resulted in moderate crops and open canopies. The long even ripening period produced very ripe fruit, with abundant flavour.
Vineyard: Heather & Meric planted their Summerhouse vineyard on north facing glacial soils in 1995, and have since established a reputation as producers of some of Marlborough’s finest wines. Summerhouse Pinot Noir is crafted from six parcels of fruit grown on the Clone 777, 115, UCD6 and AM 10/5 vines. The intense varietal flavours are the result of warm free draining soils, long autumn days with cool nights and an open vine canopy allowing the sun onto the fruit.
Vinification: The bunches were gently destemmed leaving 60% of the berries whole. After a four to five day cold soak, the fermentation took place over a week with hand-plunging occurring three times a day. The wine underwent two to five days of post ferment maceration before maturing for ten months in French oak barriques.
Appearance: A deep re/purple colour
Bouquet: Gorgeous bouquet showing ripe cherries and black berries with hints of violets and cedar oak.
Palate: Deliciously juicy and opulent on the palete with lively acidity and fine grain tannins.
Cellaring: This fabulous food wine can be enjoyed now with its abundant primary characters, or over the next five years as it becomes silky sooth and the complex savoury notes develop.
Serving temperature: Room temperature
Recommended food accompaniments: Salmon, game, red meat dishes, char-grilled food, Peking duck, spiced dishes and chocolate cake!
Technical analysis
Harvest date: 4th – 12th April 2005 | Bottling date: 10th March 2006 | Winemaker: Justin Papesch | Brix at harvest: 24.0 – 26.0 | Alcohol: 14.0 % | Titratable acidity: 6.3g/l | pH: 3.36 | Packaging: 12 x 750ml cartons. Antique green premium Burgundy bottles, screwcap closures
Reviews
Sydney International Wine Competition 2008 BLUE-GOLD & Top 100
Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2007 PURE SILVER
Wine Orbit Review FIVE STARS
