Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir

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Wine Description

The Reserve Pinot Noir is sourced purely from our five preferred clones. The fruit is de-stemmed via a small, customised, gentle de-stemmer that keeps as many whole berries as possible. After ferment, the fruit is then basket pressed, and the wine is made without any additions until bottling. Some whole bunches are included, and the percentage varies according to the style of the vintage. The Pinot is then matured in a combination of old and new French barriques prior to bottling.

"A darker, more earthy and foresty feel here than the Estate version, and a different proportional mix of clones. The cherry sense is blacker fruit, while the acidity and mouthfeel are ramped up, evenly, to be more powerful once you engage. Likewise the aromatics, nose and palate, are poised, waiting to find their lift in time. Experience says this wine will be on another level in 5 years." — (Gold)
— James Halliday, Aug 2021

“This has pristine aromas of red flowers, red cherries, pomegranate, orange zest and a thrillingly fresh overall impression that is driven by beautifully ripe pinot fruit. The palate is so succulent and smooth-honed with finely layered tannins delivering succulent, long and juicy impact on the finish. Impressive poise here. This is nicely tuned.”
— James Suckling, Jun 2020

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Production area/appellation:

Adelaide Hills

Vineyard name

Ashton Hills Vineyard

Vineyard size

3 hectares acres

Soil composition

Basket Range Sandstone - loamy sands with variable gravel, sand and clay. Free draining.

Elevation:

1880 feet feet

Year vineyard planted:

1982

Average Vine Age:

15 - 37 years

Prefermentation Technique:

Ambient cool soak prior to wild ferment taking place.

Varietal composition:

100% Pinot Noir

Fermentation container:

Small open stainless steel fermenters. 500kg to 1.5 tonnes

Malolactic fermentation:

yes

Fining agent:

vegan

Type of aging container:

Barriques

Type of oak:

French Oak. Francois Frere is the prefered cooper. Just over a third new Barriques.

Length of aging before bottling:

10 months

pH level:

3.73

Acidity:

5.3 g/L

Alcohol:

13.5 %

Of the five clones available from our Estate, four made the cut for the 2018 Reserve - D5V12 (70%), 777 (10%), Martini (two clones, total 10%), and MV6 (10%). Grapes were handpicked, keeping individual clones separate in small open fermenters. 30% whole bunch fruit was added to ferments, enhancing aromatics and structural complexity. Fermentation was initiated by indigenous yeast (wild ferment). Each clonal parcel was basket pressed and filled to French oak barrels with full solids. Burgundy seasoned and coopered French oak barriques, approximately half new, were assigned on the character and potential of individual parcels. All barrels were kept on lees to build palate, body and complexity. They were racked and blended just prior to bottling.

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POS MATERIALS

Tech Sheet Bottle Shot Acclaim

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir

Wine Description

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