Estate Pinot Noir 2016

Winemaker John Belsham is regarded internationally for his expertise in making Pinot Noir and has been a force in creating some of the finest Pinot Noirs in New Zealand, both as a consultant and at his own winery, Foxes Island. 

The Estate Pinot Noir captures the essence of the Awatere Estate where the vines grow in old soils, alongside the Awatere River, which flows down a narrow valley carved out during the glacial period. The slightly warmer days, cooler nights, and drier conditions provide an ideal place to produce premium Pinot Noir.  

The 2016 vintage provided excellent growing conditions, and the grapes had beautifully concentrated flavours. The juice was fermented by the indigenous yeasts from the vineyard, then aged in small, French oak barrels. The wine was allowed to mature in the bottle to develop layers of generous flavours with depth and complexity. Flavours of dark cherry, forest floor, toasty oak, sweet spice, and vanilla are supported by an elegant structure, with fine tannins and a long, textural finish. 

Architecturally, the wine has perfect balance, line, and length; a classic John Belsham signature.