Nikau Home Block Pinot 2022

Pinot Noir from the Nikau site, the block of vines that sits directly in front of their house. Pinot that has only ever been farmed organically, and has never seen chemicals. With their own vines, the aim has always been to produce wines on a small and manageable scale where every part of the process can be deliberate and work carried out by hand. The small parcel is roughly 0.5ha, planted with several Pinot clones on soils of compacted sandstone, with a high proportion of silica. 35 years in age, the vines were planted on their original rootstock. They employ a no-till method in their vines, own sheep and runner ducks to manage the grasses and pests. Overall the vines are trained to produce very low yields of the highest quality fruit. Hand destemmed and undisturbed for 6 weeks, then pressed to stainless steel for 10 months before direct bottling. No movement of the liquid or tank after pressing. Additionally kept to age in bottle an extra year before release. With tiny yields in 2022, only 390 bottles were produced, but the wine makes clear the energy and detail put into this site. Stewed fruits, mushrooms and earth on the nose. Brambly with a touch of iron and a small cut of rustic/ dusty tannins.