Tasting Notes
Oak Valley Pinot Noir is expressed in a range of ripe berry flavours of maraschino cherry, vibrant strawberry and raspberry notes. Juicy, clean, soft, and elegant.
In The Vineyard
Aspect: South-west / South-east facing
Elevation: 470m (mountain) / 440m (high-density)
Soil type: Medium texture gravelly soils
Clones: 114, 115, 667, 777
Rootstock: Ruggeri 140, 101-14
Planting date: 2001, 2008
Ha planted: 4.35 ha
Average tonnage: ±4-6 tons p/ha (mountain) | ±8-12 tons p/ha (high-density)
Irrigation: Drip irrigation
Trellis system: Extended Perold
Vines per ha: 3333 (mountain) / 10,000 (high density)
About The Harvest
Grapes are picked from two sites; the mountain block (2.26ha) planted in 2001 yielding ultra-low tonnages due to strong north-westerly winds at blossom, and, a high-density, Burgundian-style, 10,000 vine p/ha site (2.09ha) planted in 2008. Ripening occurs 2 weeks later in the higher (470m) mountain vineyard.
Harvest date: 18 February - 1 March 2013
In The Cellar
Bunches are hand sorted before cold maceration for 4 days at 8°C. Cultured yeasts are used. Fermentation temperatures vary between 10-30°C. Only two gentle pumpovers per day and after fermentation the wine is left on the skins for 2 days before pressing. Malolactic fermentation occurs in tank then the wine is racked and matured for 9 months in 300 litre French oak barrels. New French oak comprises 30% and the remainder 2nd and 3rd fill barrels.
