Pinot Gris 2006

Consultant to Winemaker: Michelle Richardson 

Vineyard notes:
Vineyard notes: The grapes for this wine came from our Bannockburn Vineyard. It was the second harvest for these vines in the Bannockburn vineyard, where we have a block of only 2,588 pinot gris vines planted.

The 2005/06 season was one of the earliest and warmest on record for Central Otago with settled weather the norm throughout the spring, summer and autumn. It was also an exceptionally dry summer for the district, with the overall excellent conditions bring vintage forward by about three weeks. The advanced season allowed the fruit to reach physiological ripeness with ease, despite the larger berry size. The juice extraction rate was very low, reflecting the drier, warmer season and encouraging exceptional flavours.

Winemaking considerations:
Ripe, clean fruit was hand-harvested from the Bannockburn Estate Vineyard on 20th April, our last pick of the season. The fruit was gently whole bunch pressed, settled and fermented very slowly in stainless steel tanks. A small portion was transferred to 225 litres French barrels and fermented with wild yeast where it was lees stirred for 3 months. After maturation the wine was blended and bottled in mid September 2006.

Aromatic and Palate Comments:
This wine displays a rich quince and pear bouquet that follows through to the palate, combining with the ripe fruit acidity to form a full bodied mouth-feel and a lingering finish. This style of wine can be matched with a wide variety of foods, including seafood and white meats and many cheeses.