Quartz Reef Bendigo Pinot Noir 2023

Tasting note

In the glass, this wine reveals an enticing bouquet of juicy red berries, ripe red plum, and sun-dried cherries, seamlessly woven with delicate spice notes and dried herbs. A second swirl unveils elegant nuances of floral violet, refined black tea, dark blackberry, and a touch of bittersweet chocolate. On the palate, this multi-layered abundance of fruit meets masterfully polished, silky tannins and a refreshingly vibrant acidity that gives the wine a precise structure. Noble, stony minerality and delicate spice bestow a fascinating depth and length. An already accessible, highly elegant Pinot Noir that seduces with its balance while promising outstanding cellaring potential.

Aromas and flavours

Additional information

Type: Red wine

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Food match: Serve with wild duck and pork dishes

Vineyard: Bendigo estate Vineyard, the pioneer vineyard of the Bendigo subregion. Planted in 1998 on a north-facing slope with an elevation of 217-264 metres. Clones: 10/5, 5, 115, 667, 777 & Abel.

Soil: Waenga fine sandy loam and Letts steepland soils

Vintage: The growing season was a real "box of chocolates" with variable weather and climatic conditions, as well as variable flowering and fruit set. Budburst began on September 23rd, followed by a long, slow flowering starting on November 28th that lasted for three weeks. From early January through late February, temperatures heated up, with days topping 35°C in Bendigo. The majority of the fruit was harvested by late March, with the Pinot Noir picked on March 30th.

Winemaking: Hand-picked on 30th March 2023. Each clone was small batch vinified with 6% whole cluster per ferment. Cold soaked for up to 7 days before indigenous yeast fermentation kicked in. Gentle plunging each day, followed by post maceration of up to 9 days to ensure optimum fruit and tannin balance. Total time on skin: 24 days. Drained directly into selected French oak barriques (21% new, 28% 1 year old, 51% 2 years and older), where the wine aged for 12 months during which malolactic fermentation occurred naturally.

Alcohol: 14.0% vol

Residual sugar: <1.0 g/l

Bottle size: 0.75l

Notice: contains sulphites

Cellaring potential: 6-9+ years. A masculine Pinot Noir from Central Otago with fine, silky tannins that is immediately enjoyable yet possesses long-term cellaring potential.

Produced and bottled by: Quartz Reef, PO Box 63, Cromwell, Central Otago 9342, New Zealand