Cuvée Stella 2022
WINE REFLECTION
The 2022 vintage brought a rare stillness to Mount Pisa - little wind and therefore no disruption to the season's growth - mostly from the higher slopes Stella absorbed the calm. The wine shows exceptional generosity and depth. The nose is bright and open with dried rose petals and a thread of warm earth. On the palate the clay/loam soils speak clearly: weight without heaviness, a generous mid-palate rounded by tannins of real suede quality - fine-grained, unhurried, tactile. The finish is long and complete.
VINEYARD
Source: Mount Pisa Vineyard, Central Otago
Soil: Predominantly clay and loam-based
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir, broad spectrum of clones
VINTAGE NOTES
The 2022 vintage unfolded with remarkable consistency, reminiscent of classic Central Otago vintages like 2007 and 2014. The absence of extreme weather events allowed for unhurried growth and optimal ripening conditions, resulting in wines of remarkable quality and balance. The more subtle and nuanced characters of the two cuvée wines from their different soil origins are permitted to show through in this exceptional vintage.
WINEMAKING
Our winemaking techniques are simple and gentle to allow for the transfer from soil to wine and to capture the season. Fermentation is natural, either spontaneous or encouraged by use of pied de cuve.
Harvest: 7 days, centered on 23rd March
Yield: 5 t/ha average
Fermentation: Multiple small-batch, natural fermentations
Whole Bunch: 18% average
Maceration: 26 days on skins average
Maturation: French oak barrels and demi-muids (28% new oak)
Bottled: 26th January 2024
TECHNICAL INFORMATION (Post Bottling)
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.65
TA: 5.0