The First Paddock Pinot Noir - 2015

About the wine

Proprietor's Reserve

“We grow our premium Two Paddocks Pinot Noir entirely on our three small Vineyards in Central Otago. In some exceptional vintages, listening carefully, we realize that one of these may have something extraordinary to say in its own right. It is only then that we will make one of these very rare single vineyard wines.” Sam Neill, Proprietor

The First Paddock is our original much loved Two Paddocks vineyard. Planted in 1993, it is now one of the older blocks in Central Otago. Superbly situated in the midst of upper Gibbston, planted in carefully selected Burgundian clone pinot noir vines and meticulously tended. This is a thoughtfully crafted expression of our foundation site.

Tasting Notes

Vintage Comment:
A cool spring in October and into November was followed by warm dry weather over December and a particularly hot and dry January. Flowering was finished by the end of December. Vigour was low and the vines were only green thinned and shoulders removed in the same pass. Wide open bunches meant very little disease pressure was experienced and we started harvest on the 1st April 2015.

Winemakers Notes:
Sourced from the first twenty-five rows of Clone 5, which was planted in Gibbston at The First Paddock vineyard in 1993. Hand harvested and sorted then a 50% whole bunch indigenous ferment in a dedicated First Paddock French oak cuve. Matured in 30% new French oak with the balance in older wood for an extended 14 months of barrel maturation.

Dark, brooding, spicy, dried herb aromatics with a lovely encompassing textural palate showing brightness, finesse and elegance on the long finish.

pH3.57 TA6.6g/l Alc 12.5 %

Proprietor: Sam NeillViticulturist: Mike WingWinemaker: Dean Shaw

Bottled: March 2016Production: 280 x 6-packs Cellaring: up to10 years