The First Paddock Pinot Noir - 2018

About the wine

“We grow our premium Two Paddocks Pinot Noir entirely on our four 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, Founder & 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. Soils foundations are derived from the surrounding mountainous schist and windblown loess but higher rainfalls over the millennia have resulted in increased fertility in these blocks. First Paddock is a thoughtfully crafted expression of our foundation site.

Tasting Notes

Vintage Comment:

Two Paddocks 2018 harvest will be remembered as the earliest picking date on record. A warm spring that quickly turned in to a hot summer with much warmer night time temperatures than are typically experienced in Alexandra. Ideal conditions over flowering, which was a month early, began on the 20^th November. Again, perfect growing conditions meant veraison also began a month early on the 20^th January and then the extreme heat and dry finished abruptly on the 1^st February. Cooler temperatures over February / March thankfully slowed ripening down and intensified flavour development, but harvest still began nearly a month earlier than typical on the 14^th March and was over by the 11^th April. Both the grapes and stems were beautifully ripe, intensely flavoured and in perfect health.

Mike Wing, Viticulturist (Since 2009)

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.

“The wine shows great vibrant red fruit and spicy characters, followed by a lithe elegant mouthfeel showing brightness, texture and depth.”

To download tasting note click here

Dean Shaw, Two Paddocks Winemaker (Since 1999)

pH 3.62 TA 6.0 g/LAlc13.50%

Proprietor:Sam Neill Viticulturist:Mike Wing Winemaker:Dean Shaw

Bottled:February 2019Total Production:188 doz

Cellaring:Up to 12 years