|
|
"Based just down the road from Bell Hill in Waikari, N. Canterbury, Mike tenured at Neudorf having learnt his trade in Burgundy, then with Randall Grahm and Ernie Loosen. Having found a suitable site in 2000 situated upon steep clay-limestone soils, he exacted a high density planting (10-12,000 vines/ha) and imposed biodynamic principles from day one. This is an impressive range of artisan wines...one can only imagine what will be produced when they reach the same age as Burgundy Grand Crus, so watch this space!" Robert Parkers Wine Advocate
1.7 tonnes/acre from this tiny, south-east facing home block; eight year old vines. Slightly variable soils from top to bottom, though primarily shallow (10-15cm) glauconitic clays over well-drained limestone. Biodynamic from inception.
Late April pick, whole bunch pressed, in a lovely little basket press borrowed from our friends at Bell Hill; no settling, no SO2. Vineyard yeast ferment, enduring 9 months, in a second use 450L puncheon. Natural malolactic, but unfinished until spring 2010. Ten months on lees in barrel, then transferred to a variable capacity tank for a further 16 months; bottled unfined and unfiltered on the winter equinox, June 2010. Alcohol 13.2%. Production: 50 cases.
Brilliant yellow-gold.
A nose of baked peach, pate brisee, and yellow flowers - acacia and fennel blossom. Also a comfortable note of warm cornbread.
Lush on entry, but quickly turns streamlined, from stony acidity and girdling phenolics: great volume and energy, condensing and accelerating on the palate. Flavours of yellow peach, ground almonds, and lemon curd. Very fluid, very long.
|
