Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Palliser Estate was founded in Martinborough in 1989 and is one of New Zealand's leading producers, with ninety two hectares planted mostly to Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. It farms to environmentally friendly principles and was the first wine company in the world to gain ISO 14001 certification. This Pinot Noir comes from the estate's vineyards on the free draining gravel terraces of the Martinborough plain. The maritime climate is cool and dry, with a wide day to night temperature range that slows ripening and preserves acidity and the aromatic detail Pinot Noir depends on, while the stony, low vigour soils keep yields modest and concentrate the fruit. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, which soften the tannin and add a light spiced frame through slow oxygen exchange, while malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity and builds texture. The colour is medium ruby. The nose shows ripe red cherry and plum over savoury earth and gentle oak spice. The palate is medium to full bodied at 14 percent, with fine, supple tannin, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits duck, roast poultry and mushroom dishes.