Pinot Gris 2005

Produced by: Wild Earth Wines Ltd
Consultant to Winemaker: Michelle Richardson
Winemaker: Dean Shaw

Vineyard notes:
Vineyard notes:: The grapes for this wine came from our Felton Road Estate Vineyards in Bannockburn and our Lowburn Estate Vineyard. The Bannockburn vineyard is composed of predominantly Dijon clone vines and Lowburn is planted mainly in clones 5 and 6. The spring weather over the 2004/05 season was unsettled, with lower temperatures and some rain over the flowering period. This had the effect of limiting the yields ensuring a smaller than usual crop overall as well as smaller berries and concentrated flavours. However the Central Otago summer was hot and sunny and autumn provided us with some long hang times without rain which enabled the grapes to reach full physiological maturity. The grapes were selected and hand harvested in late April and early May.

Winemaking considerations:
Winemaking considerations: Approx 10 to 15 different fermentations were undertaken as different clones and soil types allowed the grapes to ripen. Fifty Five Percent of the fruit came from Bannockburn with the balance from Lowburn. Fermentation was undertaken in stainless steel open top fermenters. The must was left for 7 - 10 days on cold soak at 8 - 12°Celsius.
50% of the wine was fermented with wild yeast, while the other half was innoculated to ferment the wines to dryness. The wines were hand plunged three times a day. The ferments peaked at 33° Celsius for 7-10 days. Post maceration took place for ten days at 20-25° Celsius. The wines spent an average of 21 days on skins to extract tannin, colour and aromatics.
The wines were then gently drained and pressed to 225 litre French oak barriques of which 40% were new 3 year air dried oak. The wines were rested and allowed to mature for ten months prior to blending, before undergoing limited fining and minimal filtration, then bottling. Aromatic and Palate Comments: Blackcurrant, bramble, spice and dried herb aromatics. A warm rich mouth-feel showing finesse, elegance and good depth.

Aromatic and Palate Comments:
Blackcurrant, bramble, spice and dried herb aromatics. A warm rich mouth-feel showing finesse, elegance and good depth.