Fancrest Estate
Di's Pinot Noir
2007
We grew this Pinot Noir following organic principles on our Estate in Waipara. Our 4 year old vines in their first year of production produced only a tiny crop equivalent to 120 cases.
Managing our young vines to keep them in balance has the effect of dramatically lifting quality. Allowing young vines to set and carry large crop loads in their youth, stresses them and prevents them from becoming old vines capable of delivering great quality. We're in this for the long haul...
Our sloping terrain allowed us to escape the spring frosts that weren't so kind to others in the valley. December 06 was however extremely cold, giving us a wonderful introduction to R20;cool climateR21; wine-growing. Interrupted flowering resulted in very small, open clusters with tiny berries which ripened well in the warm, dry and settled Autumn. This is a winemaker's dream!
Hand harvesting began on 4 April 2007, and ended on 27 April. Ripeness was such that the harvest was 90% destemmed without crushing. Natural wild fermentation in a combination of small vats and barrels, was helped along only with gentle hand plunging. We basket pressed after about 16 days maceration on the skins. Maturation took place in a selection of quality tight grained French oak barriques (mainly Allier and Tronçaise and our ultra expensive Dom Laurent R20;Magic CasksR21;), about 60% new, for 11 months. Fined with organic egg whites. Bottled under screw-cap. Released late 2010.
Di's Notes: Overall, 2007 delivered a small but very good vintage. Hints of graphite, earth, incense, and spice over dark berry fruits (cherry and plum) mingle seamlessly with complex floral and savoury notes. The 2007 has deep colour and good concentration, and continues to develop in the glass till the bottle is empty. Alcohol, acid and oak are in perfect balance making the wine very drinkable right now. A fine-grained, almost chalky, tannin structure, together with juicy fruit sweetness fills the mouth and the senses, and the moderately long finish ensures you enjoy every sip. It has the potential to age gracefully.