Grape

Pinot Noir

Its Origins

Named after New Zealand’s largest quartz rock deposit that underlies the company’s vineyards at Bendigo, Central Otago. Split between two vineyards, Quartz Reef has 30 hectares cultivated within this sub-region. The principal Bendigo Estate Vineyard site is a 15 hectare north facing slope comprising arid clay, fine gravel and quartz soils. Originally planted to Pinot Noir, with a planting density of between 5-8,000 vines per hectare, the site also holds Pinot Gris and Chardonnay on various rootstocks. Both varietals are planted with a density of between 3,500-5,000 vines per hectare. Adjacent to this is the modestly north sloping 15 hectare vineyard comprising Waenga (fine sandy loam) and Molyneux (shallow sandy loam) soils. The vineyard serves to supply Quartz Reef with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Methode Traditionnelle sparkling wine production. Biodynamic.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Fragrantly aromatic pinot noir with ripe cherry, plum, spice and subtle oak flavours. An elegant wine with appealing purity and suppleness. There is also a suggestion of floral character, perhaps red rose? Delicious now but no rush 17 MAR 2019." Drink 2019 - 2024

95/100 Huon Hooke

"Very good colour and the wine is all-round bright, fresh, clean and lovely. The tannins are softer here than in the past, although it's still highly structured. Tannins are less blocky and the wine less extracted. Delicious pinot; superb quality. (NZ$49) 25 JAN 2019." Drink 2019 - 2035

5 Stars Michael Cooper

"Certified biodynamic, the refined, youthful 2017 vintage (5*) was estate-grown at Bendigo, hand-picked and matured in French oak barriques (28 per cent new). Deeply coloured, it is invitingly perfumed, with strong, ripe fruit flavours, vibrant and supple, excellent complexity, and a long ,finely poised finish. Already drinking well, it should be at its best from 2021 onwards."