Picnic Pinot Noir - 2010

About the wine

PICNIC

The label shows the proprietor's grandparents picnicking at Karitane Beach, Otago circa 1919. The jovial chap with a pipe is Sidney Neill, importer of French wines, among other things. The poor little blighter in the Toulouse-Latrec tie is Dermot Neill, then aged 4 years. Also in the foreground is Gwladys Neill, formidable matriarch and avid picnicker. In the background and weighing 20 lbs Gertrude Elworthy (nee Neill), the proprietor's esteemed aunt.

Once again our perennial favourite – the wine to enjoy everyday and a wonderful introduction to the pleasure of Central Otago Pinot Noir. With fruit predominantly sourced from Two Paddock’s own vineyards, Picnic Pinot Noir 2010 is made in a diminutive style aimed to reflect the characters that Central Otago Pinot does so very well – black cherry fruit, spice and a generosity that keeps you reaching for the next sip.

Tasting Notes

Vintage Comment:

2010 will be noted as one of our most powerful and concentrated vintages on record. Flowering took place over reasonably unsettled weather in December, and because of this berry size was smaller and bunch weights lowered. The unsettled weather patterns change from late January, and our vintage finished with higher than usual temperature and long settled periods of dry, hot autumn days. The smaller berry size, lack of disease pressure and long length of ripening will ensure that this is a vintage that will stand Central Otago proud.

Winemaker’s Notes:

Soft plum, violet and dark cherry aromatics followed by a warm vibrantly driven textural wine showing brooding dark black fruit aromas, exotic spice and a lingering elegant silky finish.

pH 3.68 -- TA 6.9 g/l -- Alc 13.5%

Harvest Dates: 21 April 21 – 6 May 2010

Proprietor: Sam Neill

Viticulturist: Mike Wing

Winemaker: Dean Shaw

Bottled: March 2011

Total Production: 1700 cases

Cellaring: 2012 – 2015