The enchanting story of our Rays Road Pinot Noir begins with its inception in 2008, when the previous stewards of the land planted it with an array of superior clones. A symphony of anticipation surrounds this Pinot Noir, a testament to the limestone-rich terroir that cradles it. As we gaze upon the vineyard's horizon, we are met with a radiant future that gleams brightly.
From this hallowed ground, we meticulously curate a selection that forms the vibrant heart of the Kumeu Village Pinot Noir, contributing to 80% of its captivating essence. Yet, there exists an even more remarkable portion—cherished and untouched—which we reserve exclusively for the illustrious Rays Road bottling.
Following the alchemical dance of malolactic fermentation, this wine embarks on a 12-month journey of maturation in the embrace of French Oak, of which 10% is newly introduced. The culmination is a wine that bursts forth with brilliance, fragrant and alive, a sensory canvas painted with the hues of ripe cherry and a symphony of red-fruit aromas. A subtle dance of dry leaves adds to the tapestry of complexity that unfolds.
From the Hawke's Bay vineyard, a nice touch of beetroot and briar here, more dry, redcurrant and cranberry character, and orange, those dry bracken notes persist in a savoury style.