2022 Moss Wood Pinot Noir 750ml

Production Notes 

The fruit was hand-picked and delivered to the winery, where 80% was de-stemmed and added to small open tanks and the remaining 20% was sorted and then added to the fermenters as whole bunches. For those readers curious about the whole bunch addition, the explanation is as follows.  This enhances quality because the presence of the bunch stems brings important components.  The first is extra tannin, which adds backbone to the palate and also helps stabilise colour, something that can be lacking in Pinot Noir.  The second is the lifted, spicy complexity in the aroma profile. The must was chilled for 48 hours to enhance flavour, colour, and tannin extraction. After warming, each tank was inoculated with multiple yeast strains for primary fermentation. Extraction of colour and flavour was by hand plunging, three times daily and each batch remained on skins for two weeks. After fermentation, the wine was pressed to stainless steel for completion of both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels (18% new) for 18 months of maturation. Fining trials indicated that no fining agents improved tannin balance, so the wine remained unfined. It was sterile filtered and bottled on October 30, 2023.

Tasting Notes

Colour and condition:
Clear and bright condition, vibrant crimson red.

Nose:
Primary aromas of red fruit; strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. Floral notes of rose petal and potpourri. Background characters of cedar, mushroom and forest floor with subtle clove and charred oak on the finish.

Palate:
Bright, mouth-filling fruit notes of strawberry, cherry and plum. Pleasant spice characters of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and dried herbs. Plenty of fruit density without being overpowering. Creamy and velvety in texture, the tannins and acid sit nicely in the background, helping give the wine power right through the middle and back palate.