Sherwood Estate, Pinot Noir, Waipara Valley, New Zealand, 2019

Overview of the Wine
Dayne and Jill Sherwood are pioneers in the small Waipara Valley appellation of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s hard to believe that NZ only began growing and producing Pinot Noir in the early 80’s, and that the Sherwood’s were among the first to do so. Says Dayne, “Our concept was to produce a different style of wine from Marlborough. A Sauvignon Blanc that resembled the famous wines of Sancerre and Pinot Noir that was akin to wines from the Cote de Beaune.” Now with more than 30 vintages under their belt, the Sherwood’s have a wonderful head start on the rest of the industry, and are enjoying the benefit of working with mature vineyards – something that good quality Pinot demands. This region produces a style of pinot that is more masculine and has fantastic structure – as opposed to the more fruity style of up north in Marlborough. Still, making good Pinot requires growing good fruit and it’s in this area that the Sherwood’s spare no expense. They are as fastidious as you could possibly imagine, when it comes to caring about their vineyards – and it shows in the wines.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Waipara Valley, New Zealand

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Blackberries, plum, cherry fruit on nose, with added complexity of coffee and cedar from oak barrel aging on palate. Finishes with soft tannins.

Product size: 750ml