2020 Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir

From vintage 2020 our Moonlight Race has been solely about our two unique estate vineyards: Burn Cottage Vineyard in Lowburn, and Sauvage Vineyard in Bannockburn. The combination of these two sites produces a vibrant expression of classic Central Otago Pinot Noir.  

The Burn Cottage Vineyard component (57% of the final blend) was composed of: Block 1, Clones: 5, 115, 114. Block 2, clones: 5, 10/5, 115, 667, Abel. Block 4, clones: Abel, 943. Block 6, clones: 115, 667. Block 7, clones: 667,777 & Block 8, clones: 10/5, 667. 

The Sauvage Vineyard component, making up the balance of the blend (43%) was made up of Clones: 5, 6, 667, 115, 777 

Early season was quite changeable with cool temperatures at times, accompanied by regular rainfall in November and December. One impact of this was that flowering extended over a long period. Temperatures rose favourably to bring good summer conditions through January, and February had fine weather interspersed with higher than average rainfall. Conditions were mild in March, with some cooler days, and the fruit benefited from a slow extended ripening preserving balance and acidity.  

Bright notes of cherry, florals and pepper spice are accompanied by rosehip and savoury earth characters. There is a lovely concentrated core supported by supple texture, and fine tannins extending through the palate. Approachable now, and with cellaring potential to 7 years.