November 2023 Releases: Dog Point Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir $59 & Catalina Sounds The Sound Of White 2021 Pinot Noir $50

Dog Point Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir $59

Vineyard Location Marlborough home vineyards, Settlement and Yarrum, primarily on hill slopes Viticulture 6.7 tonnes/hectare. Vines are 20 years old on average. Some plantings date back to 1983. Harvested 10th-30th March 2020 Clones 62% Dijon Clones (667, 777, 115, 828, 943), 21% UCD5, 9% AM10/5, 8% Abel Soil Clay loams Vintage A warm growing season with very dry conditions between January and April with only 45mm falling (less than 30% of the average). A season which will be remembered for other reasons however, with a global pandemic affecting staffing movements and logistics but one where calm decision making and patience resulted in perfect ripening conditions, and a very rewarding season. One of the best the region has experienced in recent years. Wine Winemaking Hand picked and chilled overnight prior to handsorting. 70% destemmed and 30% whole bunches included. Fermented in small stainless open top fermenters with 100% indigenous yeasts over a period of 3 weeks prior to pressing into French oak barrels for eighteen months (30% new). Colour Deep ruby Aromas Dark plum and baking spices are pronounced on this aromatic and alluring Pinot Noir. Heady floral perfume of violets and rose add a complexing dimension. Palate Bright and pure dark berries and plums characteristic of the Southern Valleys subregion are evident. There is an opulent fruit profile with a fine velvet teture from fine boned tannins. The fruit is framed by judicious French oak adding spice and a tightly grained tannin profile Cellaring Drinks beautifully now or can be cellared for 10+ years. Technical Alcohol Acidity pH 13.5% 5.1g/l 3.69

Catalina Sounds The Sound Of White 2021 Pinot Noir $50

W I N E M A K E R C O M M E N T S The 2021 vintage certainly had its nuances compared to vintages over the last decade. Early spring frosts, combined with cool wet weather during flowering had a significant impact across Marlborough, resulting in yields being lower than average across the region. Summer turned out dry and warm, and with low-yields an early harvest was upon us; starting 10 days earlier than 2020. Fruit quality was exceptional this year and the wines certainly reflect this with strong vintage expression. The fruit for the 2021 Sound of White Pinot Noir is sourced exclusively from our Sound of White vineyard. The majority of fruit is from our oldest vines, on a clay rich hillside and selected parcels from our youngest Pinot Noir vines. The aromatics are layered with dark fruit and spices with a slight lift from whole bunches in the ferment. The palate is supple with dense ripe fruit and a youthful backbone to support ageing. A stunning wine that will reward time in the cellar. Matt Ward G E O G R A P H I C A L I N D I C AT I O N Sound of White Vineyard, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. V I N E Y A R D The vast majority of fruit for this wine comes from our 16-year-old mixed clone, north-facing hillside Pinot Noir block. The block is suited for Pinot as it is drenched in summer sun and rich in clay, producing a concentrated, expressive and spicy Pinot Noir. A very small amount of fruit was from young 5-year-old vines on the flat in A Block, giving a lift of pretty red fruit to the wine. W I N E M A K I N G My desire with the Sound of White range is to highlight the vineyard, with very little influence from the winemaker, aside from the harvest decision. The process from here is very simple. Fruit was handpicked in two passes from our hillside and then mostly destemmed into small open top fermenters. A portion was made with 30% whole bunches to provide aromatic lift and give core tannin structure to the wine. All parcels were fermented with indigenous yeast and left on skins for up to seven days before running to French barriques, 30% of which are brand new. A N A LY S I S Alcohol pH Acid Sugar 13.5% 3.51 5.8g/L Dry C E L L A R I N G P O T E N T I A L This wine, while drinking well in it’s youth, will greatly reward time cellaring under the right conditions. FOOD MATCH Game meats, mushroom & truffle dishes, prosciutto (however you like it!)