2019 TWR Pinot Noir

2019 TWR Pinot Noir. All winemakers are a bit obsessed with Pinot Noir because it is the most challenging variety to grow and to make – and very unforgiving of mistakes. For our style of Pinot Noir, we prefer the flavour profiles from the southern side of Marlborough – this sub-region is called the Southern Valleys of Southern clays. The soil types in this area of Marlborough are much older than the Wairau plains, they also have much lower fertility and a much higher clay component which gives the wines more depth and structure. We love Pinot Noir that is silk, supple and savoury and this sub-region delivers that for us.

This release is a blend from three certified organic vineyards – our TWR home block, and the Clayvin and Wrekin Vineyards in Brancott Valley. We were very excited to be able to procure some fruit from those sites as we have seen the quality those vineyards have produced in the past. 2019 was a stellar vintage in Marlborough for Pinot Noir. This resultant blend has great fruit weight and power, with the depth of flavour and complexity. The wine has a great approachable freshness but also the line and length for some serious cellaring.

All fruit for this wine was hand-picked, hand-sorted then destemmed and berry sorted as to ensure that only pristine, perfect Pinot berries make it into the fermenters. Gently transferred to small one tonne open fermenters, hand plunged twice daily. Some parcels small % whole bunch. Cold soak for 7-8 days, 5-7 ferment, & up to 14 days post ferment maceration. Pressed off on taste then filled to oak after 24 hours. In oak for 11 months – all French oak, various different coopers, 26% new, balance in older oak.

This Pinot Noir exhibits gorgeous, fragrant notes of ripe strawberry and dark plums with hints of baking spice, mocha, and some complex savoury undertones. The fleshy, silky tannins combine with vibrant fruit flavours of omega plum, strawberry and some blue fruit notes. The wine has great fleshiness and depth and finishes with a lingering persistence of fruit, fine tannin and well-integrated oak. Bottled-unfined and with minimal filtration. – Anna Flowerday, TWR