FREEFALL Pinot Noir 2006
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: 100% Bendigo, Central Otago
Philosophy: Our aim is best summed up by “fine wine begins with the vine”. Our approach is through sustainable viticulture where we strive for ‘balance’ in the vineyard. This ultimately provides grapes that are a reflection of our particular site or as the French say ‘terroir’.
Winemaking: The grapes were picked according to soil type, and each portion was fermented individually in four tonne fermenters to build complexity. An ambient soak of seven days, ten days of active ferment and five days of post ferment extraction. The ripe tannins were extracted through regular cap wetting rather than hand plunging. No more than 20% of the ferments were whole bunch to highlight aromatics and build the accessible structure in this wine.
The wine was transferred to three year old air-dried French barriques, with a total of 20% new oak also used. Predominantly older oak barrels were used to ensure the clean vibrant fruit flavours that Central Otago is famous for were pronounced.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of black cherry and spicy warm pastry notes are complemented by a generous front palate full of spicy black fruits. The mid palate displays rich savoury complexities and the wine finishes with excellent length and sweet dark chocolate ripe tannins. This is a big value Central Otago Pinot.
Food Match: Braised Lamb Shoulder with a Red Currant Jus or Ripe Blue Cheese.
Where to Drink: Around the campfire while biking the Central Otago Rail Trail
Cellaring: Drinking well now but can be cellared for up to 5 years.
Technical Details:Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottling Date: 5 July 2006
Winemaker: Theo Coles