Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2016

The site is to the West of Lake Dunstan, and just south of the 45th Parallel. Elevation 240-310 metres. The soils are derivatives of broken down schist and granite, old river beds and outwash of ancient glaciers. They are classified as free draining sandy loams, with the steeper slopes having more rock and gravel, and lower elevations slightly heavier soils. Vine age 11-13 years. The vineyard and property are managed utilising biodynamic principles.

Northburn Vineyard is located in the Cromwell Basin on the East Bank of Lake Dunstan. Gently sloping Northwest to Southeast. Elevation 200 -257 metres. Soils are a mix of glacial fans and washes previously used for alluvial gold: stony loams, river stones, clays and schist. Vine age 13-17 years. Our rows were managed to organic principles.

Mark II Vineyard is located in the foothills of the Pisa range north of Lowburn around 12 km from Cromwell, it is set on North and East facing slopes at elevations 250-350 metres. The blocks are differentiated by soil and aspect, they originate from tertiary glacial deposits : fine clays, schist, quartz, manganite and free draining gravel loams. Vine age 15 years. Sustainably Farmed.

Vintage Notes: A cool winter, and there were instances of frost fighting in the early parts of the season also with cold nights. Flowering was relatively quick, and it was quite windy through this period so the resulting bunches were quite open. Wind presented a challenge at other times throughout the season also, however overall there were mild, favourable temperatures which prevailed through to late January. Temperatures rose at the start of February and the remaining season was warm and dry. The ripening of the crop progressed well and we picked from the end of March.

Tasting Notes: Bright fruit notes entice with cherry, rosehip and spice box aromas, but there are also rich earth and dark savoury notes here. The palate is one of elegance, concentration and power, while supple harmonious tannins give wonderful persistence to the wine. Vibrant and youthful now, this wine also promises very good cellaring potential.