December 2023 Releases: Milton 2021 Dunbabin Family Reserve Pinot Noir $58 & Spring Vale Estate 2020 Pinot Noir $58

Milton 2021 Dunbabin Family Reserve Pinot Noir $58

Only made in exceptional years, our 2021 Dunbabin Reserve Pinot Noir is a serious wine with floral notes of violets overlaying the complex evolving earthiness.  Made from a select blend of clones – D4V2 and MV6, and from the premium block overlooking the cellar door planted in 1992.  An extended period of time in new and older Burgundian oak barrels enhances and elaborates the fruit and creates dignified savoury truffle flavours. Satiny smooth silkiness from the tannins, soft spice with a density of textures.  This wines’ future is bright and long with cellaring for up to 8 plus years recommended. Elegant and sophisticated, best with lamb or duck.
14% A/V

Spring Vale Estate 2020 Pinot Noir $58

Vintage Conditions
Another year of below average rainfall through winter
continued into spring and summer resulting in below
average crop levels. Late summer was cool allowing for
slow steady ripening. Quality was exceptional, with
intense, concentrated varietal flavours.
Vineyard
A blend of original 1986 plantings trained on the Lyre
system and 2000 plantings on the VSP system with a
clonal mix of G5V15, D5V12, 114, 115. Soils are old red
loams of volcanic origin. Handpicked in late April 2020.
Winemaking Notes:
Fruit was destemmed into open pots for initial cool pre‐
ferment maceration, usually up to four days. Some pots
were allowed to ferment ‘wild’ with natural yeasts. The
remainder were inoculated with cultured yeast and all
pots received regular hand plunging during ferment to
gently extract flavour and tannins. Upon dryness the wine
was pressed to French oak barriques, 25% new, where it
remained for 10 months. It was then filtered and bottled.
Analysis:
pH 3.60
Acidity 5.5g/L
Alcohol 13.5%
Tasting Notes:
Deep ruby red in colour, this Pinot Noir has powerful aromas of dark cherry,
blackberry and intriguing spices. The palate has the trademark Spring Vale
intensity, plush mouthfeel and forest floor undertones. Finishes with persistent
velvety tannins. Will reward careful cellaring of 5‐10 years, but if you don’t have
the patience enjoy with spicy barbequed leg of lamb