1997 Pinot Noir
VINTAGE
Following an unusually cool March we were blessed with a marvellous warm sunny April and this, combined with our low crop level, ensured the highest sugar levels we have ever achieved in our red grapes. Ripeness is crucial for richness of flavour and our experience has been that the warm sunny vintages such as 1997 produce our finest red wines.
Our pinot was harvested on the 19th of April.
This was our first “commercial” harvest of a little over 1 tonne from our 1020 vines.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Ripe plum fruit with hints of leather and spice.
Palate: Intensely flavoured with the fruit and subtle oak apparent on the nose carrying through to the palate. Ripe, complex and interesting. Generous on the middle palate and a lingering, drying tannin on the finish. Textured and rich, concentrated but not heavy in flavour.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Region: Lenswood, Adelaide Hills
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Oak Maturation: 36 months in French oak barriques. All from forests in the centre of France. 50% new oak.
pH: 3.52 |
Alcohol: 14.4% |
TA: 6.6 g/L
Cellaring: Being the first Pinot we have made time will tell but the elements are there: freshness, complexity and tannin. I am sure that the wine will improve for many years.
Food Suggestion: Ideal with red meats (duck, veal or venison would be marvellous) but can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods or on its own.
Serving Suggestion: Best between 14 and 20°C