Blue Rock Pinot Noir 2018 Magnum
Hillside frost-free site planted over limestone and clay. The oldest Pinot Noir block was planted in 1986 and is still on its own roots. Distinct from the Eclipse vineyard because of vastly different geology with the clays that deliver rich, velvety texture. This is perhaps a more approachable wine than Eclipse, but still with elegance and underlying power.
Winemaker note
“A lovely bright red hue. Very charming and alluring. Oh, so pretty! There is a purity here, an ethereal beauty. Delicate florals and bright red berry on the nose but there is also intriguing and complex non fruit stuff, like a rose essence and a certain spice and fresh earth mineral like quality. Nothing out of place or forced, feels very natural and harmonious. The impression on the palate is one of power, purity and precision. Great concentration and focus; everything in its right place. Lots to taste but this wine is more about how it feels. This wine is pure energy. Enjoy upon release or cellar for 10 years plus.”
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Ample winter and early spring rains made parts of the vineyard inaccessible for machinery in the early part of the growing season. Conditions changed to extreme dry with a mini drought and well above average temperatures into late October and November. Good even budburst followed by an excellent fruit set, combined with rapid shoot growth promised an excellent crop. Alas, the weather turned again! High and frequent rainfall combined with high temperatures created a nightmare scenario in the vineyard; everything grew like crazy, and disease pressure was very high! The team worked like mad and made the best of a difficult season. Harvest in the end was two–three weeks ahead of normal. The 2018 Blue Rock Pinot Noir was sourced from Jims Block which was planted in 1995 to Pommard Clones 114 & 115 and from Highfold block which was planted in 1996 with Dijon clone 777.
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Fruit hand sorted and 100 % destemmed. Intact berries were gently tipped into a mixture of 2 and 3 ton open top fermenters and chilled down for several days. Fermentation was spontaneous with twice daily gentle plunging. Temperatures peaked in the low to mid 30s. Total maceration time was between 20 and 30 days. Post press the wine was run off into barriques and puncheons (around 15 % new) for 12 months maturation. Blending and racking was carried out in May 2019. Unfined and unfiltered. No animal products used.
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Partner with rack of lamb & fresh herbs or a good hearty mushroom Bourguignon
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pH 3.6
TA 4.9 g/L
RS 0.5 g/L
Alc 13.5 %
Bottled Sep 2019
Recent Reviews
“4.5 stars - From hill-grown vines planted in 1995 and 1996, the 2018 vintage was matured for a year in French oak barriques and puncheons (15 per cent new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ruby hued, it is an attractively perfumed, medium to full-bodied, graceful red with fresh, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and a lengthy finish. Well worth cellaring.”
“5 stars / 94 points - This is immediately appealing on the nose showing complex aromas of dark cherry, vanilla, mushroom, thyme and hazelnut characters. The palate displays excellent concentration and fleshy mouthfeel, wonderfully complemented by savoury nuances and beautifully integrated fine tannins. Gorgeously stylish. At its best: now to 2025.”
“4 stars / 90 points - Grown on clay and limestone soils, which have produced a vibrant, medium-bodied pinot noir with a core of sweet plum, cherry, berry and spice flavours supported by fine tannins.”
