Tasting Notes

The roar of the nearby Clifford Bay surf carries to O:TU’s six vineyard blocks, all situated in the coastal south-eastern corner of the Awatere Valley on the
edge of the famous Marlborough wine growing region of New Zealand.

Here, the winding Otuwhero (Oh-too-fare-oh) river and coastal breezes create a long, cool, growing season; ideal conditions for growing bold and perfectly refined fruit which inspire us to craft our distinctive and memorable O:TU wines.

All the grapes for our O:TU Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013 were harvested from a single vineyard in Marlborough, with only the best components being used in this vintage.

Moderate flowering in 2013 delivered a light, intense crop which we harvested very late in the season, leaving the fruit to ripen until the last week of April.

As it came off the vineyard, the grapes were carefully de-stemmed – but not crushed – to retain the complexity of the aromas. It was then cold soaked for two days before fermentation. A mixture of the best selected yeast strains were used to carry out the expression of the terroir. The fruit was then pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation for a 12 month aging period.

The resulting O:TU Marlborough Pinot Noir is elegant and perfectly balanced. Soft tannins give the wine a light to medium body with good length and a smooth flowing finish.
Aromas of cherries with delicate notes of red currant underpinned with herbs and strawberries.

This Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir is designed to be enjoyed upon release; but will also age gracefully for the next 5 to 10 years. Best paired with beef, venison, cheese and other light dishes.