Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Founded by Tim and Judy Finn (now retired) in 1978 who were pioneers of the Nelson wine industry and Tim Finn was a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing NZ. Their daughter Rosie Finn carries on the family tradition in the role of Sales & Marketing/Director together with winemaker/GM Todd Stevens and viticulturalist Stef Brockley. The focus is on sustainability with the winery run on solar power aided by the fact that Nelson has some of the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. All estate owned blocks are organically certified and the old vines are dry farmed. All wines are bottled in lightweight glass.

THE VINTAGE:
A dry start to the season followed by a wetter than normal November. A welcome change to early summer and autumn with drier and warmer months (December-April). Minor rain events ensured canopies stayed “refreshed” before a trouble-free harvest period. A generous season producing wines of volume and precision.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The next paddock to the home block, purchased from neighbours Tom and Norma Francis in 1999. Fertile topsoil over deep moutere clay gravel, north facing, dry farmed and 100% organically cultivated, with additions of Bokashi compost, undervine mowing with minimal soil disturbance and horticultural oil, sulphur and minimal copper spray inputs. Combination 2 cane and spur pruning to regulate yields and grapes 100% hand harvested. The use of newer clones has resulted in more fragrant and supple wines as the vines settle down.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
On arrival at the winery, the grapes are chilled, sorted and 100% destemmed. Wild yeast fermentation in open top fermenters, at maximum 32C with twice daily hand plunging. 10 months in French oak barriques (20% new), 100% natural malolactic in the Spring, then racked and blended.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
This wine is what Neudorf Pinot is all about. Cocoa powder tannins are interwoven with notes of summer berries, warm spices and seductive leather. Tom’s natural “Moutereness” offers a sophisticated restraint, keeping this lush and moreish wine beautifully balanced. Thoughtful use of oak frames this Pinot brilliantly without commanding the experience, leading into a long, velvet finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Noir 100%.