06 Pinot Noir Preview

What started out as an idea between friends and family to make something for themselves to drink at home during the week has blossomed into a quest for something to stand proudly on its own; a wine which reflects the passion and rewards the curious.

By fate or fortune, the '5 Blind Mice' squeezed through a hole in the door of Red Heads Studio, and their Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir has provided a welcome diversion for Adam Hooper and Justin Lane (and an excuse to express their feminine sides!), but there's plenty of testosterone in this Pinot!

2006 Pinot noir (~120 cases)

Region:

Adelaide Hills (Basket Range and Kuitpo)

Season & Viticulture:

After a few 'wet patches' in late Spring, the ripening phase for Pinot in the Hills was mild and dry enabling full expression of ripe fruit characters.
 

1. Basket Range (50%) Basket Range is between Piccadilly and Lenswood in the coolest, wettest part of the Adelaide Hills.

Vine age: 15 years, Trellis: VSP, Clone: MV6

2 & 3. Kuitpo (25% each) These 2 sites are situated on the Southwest escarpment of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The soil is shallow and derived from weathered shales.

Vine age: 16 years, Trellis: VSP, Clone: D5V12 & MV6

Winemaking:

The 3 parcels were separately vinified in 1 tonne open fermenters, using a small percentage of whole bunches and 25% carbonic maceration. Twice daily cap plunge early in the ferment was followed by gentle pump overs. Temperature control ensured preservation of subtle pinocity. Basket pressed into French oak (new, 1 y.o. and 2 y.o.) for 16 months and racked twice. Some extended lees contact has elevated the structure, close monitoring and little intervention followed allowing the fruit and secondary characters to reveal themselves. Unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:
 

Eyes:	Vibrant, bright and 'pretty' crimson-plum hues with clarity and depth.
Nose:	Forest fruit aromas, violets and subtle rhubarb melded with savoury, earthy tones of soft leather. Ever taken a box of black cherries into a saddler's workshop?
Mouth:	Starts with a warm, supple velvety feel with the juicy fruit flavours of the mid palate then leading to fine tannins for a delicately lingering finish.