2020 Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 750ml

It is now well established that Central Otago produces outstanding Pinot Noir and Quartz Reef is no exception. Firm and intense with notes of ripe black cherry, pomegranate and spice, the maturing sun drenched slopes of our Bendigo Estate vineyard continues to produce Pinot Noir of exceptional expression and structure.

AROMA Aromas of deep black doris plum and dark cherry.

PALATE Rich on the palate with blackcurrant, plum, forest floor notes and subtle spice. An elegant wine with classy tannins and a long, vibrant finish.

REGION NOTES This wine is from our BioGro certified organic and Demeter certifie biodynamic estate vineyard located in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago.

VINIFICATION

Hand-picked on the 31st March, 1st, 8th and 9th April. Each clone was small batch vinified with a small percentage of whole cluster per ferment. Cold Soaked for up to 7 days before indigenous yeast fermentation kicked in. Gentle plunging each day, followed by post maceration of up to 9 days to ensure optimum fruit and tannin balance. Total time on skin; 19-24 days.

MATURATION

Drained directly into selected French oak barriques (28% new) where the wine aged for 12 months during which wild malolactic fermentation occurs.

JAMES SUCKLING

95 PointsAromas of pitted red cherries, rose, moss and bark. Medium-bodied with silky texture and tannins. Perfumed and vibrant with so much floral and herbal complexity. So long as well. Beautifully composed and layered. Delicious. Drink or hold.

jamessuckling.com, 10 November, 2022