“The High Note” – Pinot Noir 2022

Our Pinot Noir is the jewel in the crown – the focal point in our repertoire of wines ‘The High Note’ was inspired by Misha’s opera-singing mother and her early life spent in the theatre.

2022 Vintage

“Attractive rose and red liquorice aromas, the complex palate has a red fruit core supported by mineral backbone, with the fresh acidity and spice notes providing great length.” Olly Masters (Winemaker)

Vintage Notes

Warm temperatures at the start of the season, without the usual buffeting spring winds, resulted in rapid growth, aided by the moist ground from a wet winter. The warmth continued to flowering at the end of November before a cool front slowed growth but it was a good fruit set. January was hot and dry with a few consecutive days over 30°C+. Conditions stayed warm for the rest of the season. Harvest started at the end of March and continued over the next month. This was a dream season in terms of fruit quality and vine health with yields also above the long-term average. Berry size was even aiding flavour consistency and varietal expression, with good colour development and tannin ripeness in the Pinot Noir. This season will be remembered as one of the best. The Pinot Noir for this blend was handpicked at an average of 5.8 tonnes per hectare and Growing Degree Days (GDDs) were 1152.

Food Match

This Pinot Noir is very versatile and great with lamb, venison and veal, and a large range of vegetable dishes especially mushrooms. It is also the perfect accompaniment to game birds such as quail, pheasant, turkey and duck.

Details

Winemaking
The fruit was chilled overnight before crushing the next day typically as 1.5 and 4 tonne lots. The crushed fruit was then cold soaked for 5-7 days after then allowed to warm as the natural yeast ferment took place. An average of 20% whole bunch component was included. Cooling was used to ensure the ferments peaked below 32⁰C. The wine was then held warm (15-20⁰C) post ferment to allow ongoing tannin integration. After an average of 26 days on skins the wines were then pressed to tank where they were settled for 1–2 days before being racked into French oak hogsheads (19% new 300 litre barrels). The wine was inoculated for malolactic fermentation which took place in the following spring, then racked out of barrels and filtered prior to bottling in Feb 2023.