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2008 Nautilus Estate Pinot Noir

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Marlborough (New Zealand), New Zealand

Winery: Nautilus Estate

Availability

Available in Consignment

Background

A country of great contrasts, New Zealand is blessed with a variety of micro-climates and soil types, as diverse as those of the Rhine and Bordeaux. The growing regions of the North and South Islands enjoy cool growing conditions that encourage grapes to ripen slowly, to produce deliciously, aromatic wines with strength, structure and elegance.

Nautilus Estate relies mainly on grapes from its own vineyards in Marlborough but also selects grapes from other quality vineyard sites. The selection process is very rigorous and only those grapes that will produce wines of exceptional varietal and regional character are chosen. The wines of the Nautilus Estate range are carefully crafted; modern technology and traditional techniques have been deftly combined; French oak is used extensively during fermentation and maturation to complement and enhance the fruit. The resultant wines are stylish and individual. Each is an appreciation of the unique quality of the variety in its South Pacific setting

Winemaking

Nautilus Estate has had a focus on producing Premium Pinot Noir from the Marlborough region for over 10 years. The majority of our fruit now comes from two specialised Pinot Noir vineyards on the clay slopes on the southern side of the Wairau Valley. Small parcels are also grown on intensively managed sites in the Awatere Valley and the Wairau Valley floor with each site contributing a specific character to our regional blend. Our dedicated Pinot Noir cellar incorporates principles of minimal handling and gravity fl ow and allows us to handle all our fruit with the utmost respect.

Tasting Notes

Nautilus Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008 is dark ruby in colour and shows an aroma of wild raspberries, plums and spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied with generous fruit sweetness and succulent tannins combining to give a long warm finish. The primary fruit components showing in the wines youth will further develop and integrate over the next five years as the wine matures.

Awards

Quantas Trophy - Best Pinot Noir of the Show

Reviews

Rating: 91 points - Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (2007 vintage)
"Polished, focused and brimming with flavor. Offers blackberry and red plum, with hints of mint and white pepper floating around the expressive finish, mingling with a wet stone note. The tannins are nicely contained. Drink now through 2014."