2019 Shadowfax Little Hampton Pinot Noir

The fruit for Shadowfax Little Hampton Pinot Noir was handpicked on 4th April, then carefully sorted and destemmed with 100% whole berries going into small open fermenters. Natural fermentation occurred with daily hand plunging to extract fine tannins and flavour. After two weeks on skins the wine was pressed then racked into second use French hogsheads and puncheons where it rested and grew before being blended and filtered before bottling.
The aromatics are seductive and engaging. Floral violets and rose petal waft from the glass, bolstered by blueberry and cherry fruits. Further complexities reveal themselves, such as cardamom, cassis and sarsaparilla. Mineral aspects including gunpowder and graphite provide intrigue. Cherry sap and blueberry fruit fall immediately onto the palate. Complex notes of game meats, graphite and some white pepper spice chime in. A focused and mineral core has drive, vibrancy and poise. Fine and lacey tannins frame the complex cardamom spice and subtle fruits. – Al Timms, Shadowfax