(Download the Tasting Note) 
Winemaking: The majority of the grapes from which this wine was made were grown in Mount Riley’s premium 17 Valley vineyard. This vineyard is one of the warmest sites in the Wairau Valley. It has a north west aspect which captures one of Marlborough’s warmest air flows. This warmth imparts great fruit sweetness and fine ripe tannins in our Pinot Noir. Soils are clay (so have a high mineral content) and gravel loam (which is good for retaining heat).
The 2009 growing season was an ideal one. Warm days and cool nights through summer, and settled weather from March right through to the end of our harvest allowed us to pick when flavors’ were at their peak and sugars and acidity in the grapes were perfectly balanced.
Grapes were hand picked, cold soaked and fermented on skins using indigenous yeast from Mount Riley’s winery and vineyard. The wine was then aged for ten months in a mixture of new and seasoned French barrels.
Colour: Deep crimson with garnet and ruby hues.
Bouquet: Aromas of dark cherry, red berry and floral notes. Secondary aromas of spice, dried herb, earthiness and light smokiness add complexity.
Palate: Concentrated and complex flavours. Fine tannins and a lingering finish.
Drink: Drinking well now and up to 2017. Match with game, red meat and rich, robust vegetable based dishes.
Vintage
2006
Colour
Ruby red.
Bouquet
A lifted bouquet with berry fruit and floral aromas complemented by rich chocolate and spice.
Palate
A soft and elegant palate with rounded tannins and great flavour concentration.
Drink
Will improve over the next 3 years and drink well for up to 10 years. Match with red meat or pasta dishes.
Winemaking
The Pinot Noir grapes used to produce this wine were sourced predominantly from Mount Riley’s premium 17 Valley Vineyard in the south of the Marlborough river valley. This site is exposed to intense sunshine, perfect for the production of grapes with concentration and intensity. The grapes that make up this wine were harvested at extremely low yields - around 2 tonnes per acre - and were hand picked. The wine was matured for 13 months in predominantly French oak barriques.
Other Information
Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Alcohol: 14%
RS: 2.5g/l
TA: 7g/l
Bottle Barcode: 9419663015992
Carton Barcode: 19419663015999
Closure: Screwcap
Availability: In independent retail and on-premise around New Zealand.
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Vintage
2005
Colour
Mid-red.
Bouquet
A complex nose, raspberry and cherry characters are complemented by rich spiciness and mocha aromas.
Palate
A beautifully balanced wine with a full palate and rounded tannins. Berry and chocolate flavours linger to a long and satisfying finish.
Drink
Ready to drink but will improve for 3 years and drink well for up to 10 years. Match with red meat or pasta dishes.
Winemaking
The Pinot Noir grapes used to produce this wine were sourced predominantly from Mount Riley’s premium 17 Valley Vineyard in the south of the Marlborough river valley. This site is exposed to intense sunshine, perfect for the production of grapes with concentration and intensity. A mixture of different clones were used (including UCD 5 and 6 together with a selection of Dijon clones). A portion was hand plunged in small fermenters in the traditional manner to facilitate colour extraction. The wine was matured for fifteen months in predominantly French oak barriques.
Other Information
Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Alcohol: 14.5%
RS: 2g/l
TA: 6g/l
Bottle Barcode: 9419663015992
Carton Barcode: 19419663015999
Closure: Screwcap
Availability: In independent retail and on-premise around New Zealand.
(Download PDF version)
Vintage
2004
Colour
Deep violet / purple.
Bouquet
A complex nose, berryfruit, cherry and plum are overlaid with toasty oak and chocolate.
Palate
Rounded tannins are supported by rich, concentrated fruit flavours. The wine is mouth filling with a warm lingering finish.
Drink
Ready to drink, will improve for 3 years and drink well for up to 10 years. Match with red meat or pasta dishes.
Winemaking
The Pinot Noir grapes used to produce this wine were sourced predominantly from Mount Riley’s premium 17 Valley Vineyard in the South of the Marlborough river valley. This site is exposed to intense sunshine, perfect for the production of grapes with concentration and intensity. A mixture of different clones were used (including UCD 5 and 6 together with a selection of Dijon clones) and grapes were hand picked. The wine was fermented on skins and produced using modern viticultural techniques together with traditional winemaking practices. A portion was hand plunged in small fermenters in the traditional manner to facilitate colour extraction. The wine was matured for fifteen months in predominantly French oak barriques.
Other Information
Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Alcohol: 14%
RS: 2g/l
TA: 6g/l
Bottle Barcode: 9419663015992
Carton Barcode: 19419663015999
Closure: Screwcap
Availability: In independent retail and on-premise around New Zealand.
(Download PDF viewer)
