Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2015 1.5L

While best known for their iconic Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay have long championed Marlborough Pinot Noir and are just so damn consistent. This is a much more restrained & elegant style than many other NZ producers, while still retaining all the power and drive associated with Burgundy.

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2015 hails from the famous Pinot Noir region of Marlborough, located on the northern edge of the south island. The 2015 harvest of Pinot Noir took place amidst excellent ripening conditions. The harvest started on March 20th and was concluded by April 4th. The final yield was 20% below average, manifesting in a density and complexity of flavour. The Pinot Noir fruit was entirely handpicked and de-stemmed before being gravity fed into the fermentation vessels. 13% of the fermentation was comprised of whole bunches. The fermentations utilised natural occurring yeast populations under carefully monitored conditions. The grape skins were gently plunged with an average of 18 days skin contact. After fermentation the wines were matured in French oak for 12 months, of which 35% was new.

On the nose, Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir is appealing aromatic, the notes of Morello cherry, bramble and dark chocolate dancing in the nostrils. Fine, silky tannins and juicy acidity provide an elegant structure, with complexity coming from gentle oak and smoky characteristics. This Pinot Noir would be best served with Prosciutto or a plate of cheese and nuts.