Nautilus Pinot Noir Clay Hills Vineyard
Nautilus Pinot Noir Clay Hills Vineyard
The natural beauty of the Nautilus shell has inspired our expressive, balanced, precisely crafted wines since 1985, the early days of Marlborough winegrowing. Back then there were only 80 NZ wineries. Today there are nearly 700. Yet we remain small, family-owned, and committed to the stunningly beautiful Marlborough region.
Wine Production
Low cropped, Dijon and Pommard clone grapes were hand-picked and chilled before sorting to ensure pristine fruit. 25% of the indigenous ferment comprised whole bunches to give refined tannins and floral perfume.
Tasting Notes
This outstanding clay hillside site gives mid palate density, medium body and firm fine tannins. Very low crops ensure concentrated blackberry and plum flavours while floral perfume comes from the 25% whole bunch component. These flavours are complimented by spice from the French oak maturation, to give a well balanced, rich and lingering wine.
Food Pairing
The hints of savoury spice in this wine pair well with wild meats such as duck or venison, while the flavour concentration and fresh acidity can stand up to strong flavours and fatty meats such as slow cooked lamb. For vegetarian options, the earthy notes pair well with a mushroom risotto or roasted parsnip puree.
The natural beauty of the Nautilus shell has inspired our expressive, balanced, precisely crafted wines since 1985, the early days of Marlborough winegrowing. Back then there were only 80 NZ wineries. Today there are nearly 700. Yet we remain small, family-owned, and committed to the stunningly beautiful Marlborough region.
Wine Production
Low cropped, Dijon and Pommard clone grapes were hand-picked and chilled before sorting to ensure pristine fruit. 25% of the indigenous ferment comprised whole bunches to give refined tannins and floral perfume.
Tasting Notes
This outstanding clay hillside site gives mid palate density, medium body and firm fine tannins. Very low crops ensure concentrated blackberry and plum flavours while floral perfume comes from the 25% whole bunch component. These flavours are complimented by spice from the French oak maturation, to give a well balanced, rich and lingering wine.
Food Pairing
The hints of savoury spice in this wine pair well with wild meats such as duck or venison, while the flavour concentration and fresh acidity can stand up to strong flavours and fatty meats such as slow cooked lamb. For vegetarian options, the earthy notes pair well with a mushroom risotto or roasted parsnip puree.
Brand Materials
Vineyard & Production Info
Winemaking & Aging
Analytical Data
About the Vineyard
Marlborough is a sheltered, sunny, cool maritime climate known for intense, elegant wines. Nautilus Single Vineyard Clay Hills Pinot Noir is sourced from a single block on our Estate-owned Clay Hills Vineyard. This clay soil, hillside site has been the jewel in the crown of Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir for many years, giving mid palate weight, concentrated dark berries and plum flavours and firm fine tannins.