2009 “Lake Block” Pinot Noir
Our Single Block wines are made with the purpose of highlighting the unique terroir and sub-regionality of our Mornington Peninsula vineyards.
Vineyard
Fruit for this Single Block Pinot Noir was sourced from the Lake Block—one of three Pinot Noir blocks on the Montalto Estate vineyard. This block occupies three acres, situated directly above one of the Estate’s spring-fed dams. The proximity to this small body of water results in a unique micro-climate, in which the temperature in the vineyard canopy is moderated, in turn producing fruit with exceptionally balanced flavour and natural acidity. Hand-harvesting, zero irrigation, and low average cropping yields of 2 tonnes per acre serve to emphasise fruit quality.
- Sub-region: Red Hill
- Aspect: North to Northeast
- Elevation: 90 to 105 meters
- Soil: Red Volcanic-based Clay
- Clones: D5V12, 114, 115, MV6
- Trellis: VSP
- Average vine age: 25 years (1986)
- Harvest: 5th March 2009
Winemaking
The Lake Block Pinot Noir was crafted with the use of both modern New World and traditional Old World winemaking techniques with the purpose of highlighting the exceptional fruit quality.
- Crush: Gently de-stemmed to small 2-tonne open-pot fermenters
- Cold Soak: 6 days, with hand-plunging of caps twice-daily
- Yeast: Wild
- Fermentation: 7 days, max temp 28C, with hand-plunging of caps twice-daily
- Post-ferment maceration: 3 days
- Maturation: 15 months, French Oak (Allier and Troncais) 40% new
- Fining/Filtration: Lightly fined with egg white and polish filtered .
Tecnhical Data
- Alcohol: 14.0%
- pH/acidity: 3.33/6.2 g/L
- Bottled: June 2010
- Closure: Stelvin
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Dark Cherry, earthy, forest undergrowth, Savoury Herbs
- Palate: Black Cherry, Fine Tannins
- Finish: Lingering spice
Cellaring Advice
Showing remarkable depth of flavour, firm tannin structure and nicely-integrated inputs from high-quality French Oak, the 2009 Lake Block should cellar exceptionally well and improve in the bottle for up to 10 years.
