Aroha Pinot Noir 2015
Trade Tools
New Zealand
In the cool-climate region of Martinborough, the 81.5 acres terraced Te Muna Road Vineyard is planted with eight clones of Pinot Noir in more than 40 different parcels. On the vineyard’s two distinct terraces, stony soils produce exceptional Pinot Noir. Grapes were hand harvested – 60% destemmed, 40% whole bunch – before undergoing fermentation in a combination of open-top stainless steel tanks and French oak cuves. The wine matured for 11 months in 32% new French oak barriques.
Harvest Note
The third of three consecutive exceptional vintages. After two great years in 2013 and 2014, the 2015 season started with a cool spring where the vines had to be protected from late night frosts. Combined with persistent North West winds the flowering for Merlot was delayed, but proceeded under ideal sunny dry conditions throughout the summer. Despite generally cool temperatures throughout the summer, there was a warm, dry spell that helped shift ripening back toward normal harvest dates. The Gimblett Gravels Vineyard fruit was harvested 10 days later than normal, but yielded exceptional quality especially in our Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Tasting Note
Dense dark cherry color. Great depth of aromatics with notes of plum, dark cherry, sage , thyme and fresh bark coming through. The palate shows a wonderful level of elegance from this low-cropping growing season with a roundness of red fruit beautifully integrated with layers of savory dry tannins which finish long.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Martinborough
PH: 3.61
ACIDITY: 5.3 g/L
ABV: 13.5%
AGING: Maturation 9 months in French Oak & Stainless steel tanks
Unique Selling Points
- Distinct, higher vineyard terrace with old, stony soils yields impeccable Pinot Noir
- The higher-elevation Te Muna Road Vineyard is harvested about a week later than nearby sites; grapes have greater freshness and acidity
- Single-vineyard Pinot Noir with complex, subtle fruit and very good length
I am fortunate to lead an extraordinary group of people who want to be part of creating something truly magnificent that successive generations can admire and enjoy for years to come. I love our great estates and feel a strong connection to their complexities and subtleties.
Ben Tombs, Winemaker
About the Grape
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
