Saturday, February 17, 2024

Greystone Winery Vineyard Ferment Waiparu Valley (New Zealand) Pinot Noir, 2020

Tbis wine literally made itself. Grapes were hand picked, destemmed and then fermented between the rows where they were grown. Then it was aged for 15 months in old oak barriques. The idea is to eliminate any outside influences and make it "a pure expression of the hillside." Once grapes are brought into the winery, they are introduced to a new environment--temperature controlled and a new yeast population. In the vineyard, only native wild yeasts contribute to the fermentation, and the climate of the vineyard and the vintage are preserved.

The 2020 Vineyard Ferment Pinot comes from a high, north-facing vineyard on limestone bedrock covered with clay soil. Grapes are Dijon clone. The wine is exceptional.

Light color, even for a Pinot Noir. Red fruit, spice, flowers with delicate tannins. Expands on the tongue with sloiw waves of beautiful flavors. Plenty of acid, but a calm rather than lively feel. Dances across the tongue in a slow waltz leading to a long, complex finish. My favorite of the tasting; I ordered a full glass with lunch.

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