What the winery says about the Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir 2010 . . .

This wine draws from both the lower and higher altitude Bendigo vineyards. Earlier ripening Bendigo East fruit from a site that has alluvial gravel soils gives shoulder and structure to the wine. Later ripening and finer, the School House and Chinaman’s Terrace vineyards contribute fragrance and high tones to the flavour profile. 100% hand picked fruit was destemmed into small open top fermenters. As a rule Gibbston Valley employ long low impact long macerations to contribute to length and linearity. Pressing took place after usually 4 weeks of maceration. Following pressing the wines from respective vineyards spent 10-11 months in barrel in the Gibbston Valley cave, all of it French, 25% new. Bottling took place in April 2011.

What we say . . .

Gibbston Valley Winery are the oldest in Central Otago and their first vintage came way back in 1987, they have only had three chief winemakers since the start which is fantastic for regular top quality Pinot Noir.

Christopher Keys is the current winemaker and has being doing a fantastic job since he started in 2006 and this 2010 Pinot Noir must be his best to date. Picked mainly from their vineyards in Bendigo the 2010 Estate Pinot Noir is showing great depth and flavour and selected from some of the best fruit, small bunches with great concentration and complexity. Excellent colour, with good depth. Highly fragrant nose, with blueberry, clove, spice and earthy aromas.  Although drinking very well now you can happily cellar this Pinot for another 8-10 years, you will see huge difference given another 6-12 months. Enjoy now and for many years to come.

Awards and Accolades . . .