Ibbotson Family Vineyard – Pinot Noir – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
Great things come from small beginnings. In 1978, Neal and Judy Ibbotson were inspired to plant their own small plot of land in in the breath-taking vineyards of Marlborough. Their experience and expertise, combined with an abundance of passion, has led to the creation of some of New Zealand’s best vineyard sites. Following an ecological philosophy, the vines are sustainably cultivated and the estate holds the Sustainable Wines of New Zealand certification. As pioneers of Marlborough viticulture, they are now joined at the family winery by their three children and are producing world-class wines.

VINTAGE:
2022 saw a typical very warm October, November and December, which allowed for a good solid fruit set. However an unusually very wet and cold February put grape growers and wine makers ‘on edge’ as ongoing rain created a disease risk which was a real potential threat to the success of harvest. Fortunately, a very dry period from 20th February until the 20th March was exactly what was required. Outstanding autumn conditions with warm days and cool nights, enabled the grapes to remain healthy and ripen to the desired levels.

VINEYARD:
The Pinot Noir grapes were carefully selected from vineyards within the Southern Valleys sub-region of Marlborough. This region is renowned for low cropping vineyards on claybased soils. These soils, combined with a long ripening season provide ideal conditions for the development of concentrated flavours, ripe tannins and beautiful balance. The vines are cultivated in accordance with Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

WINEMAKING:
Once the fruit was received at the winery, each vineyard batch was held cold for five days prior to fermentation, which helped to maximise aroma and flavour extraction. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out through the use of cultured yeasts, and during the height of fermentation the fermenting must was hand plunged up to eight times daily. Once dry, each batch was pressed to tank, settled and then racked off the lees to a combination of stainless-steel tanks and new French oak. The wine underwent 100% malolactic conversion during aging before being blended, fined, lightly filtered and gently prepared for bottling.

TASTING NOTE:
Enticing notes of dark brambly fruits are layered with subtle hints of Turkish spice through to a rich and weighty palate with a lovely, deep garnet colour, a silky structure and a long savoury finish.

GRAPE:
Pinot Noir 100%.

COUNTRY:
New Zealand

REGION:
Marlborough

SUB-REGION:
Marlborough