2019 Rapaura Springs Marlborough South Brook Vineyard Pinot Noir

Family-owned Rapaura Springs was founded in 2005 and ranks among the top 10 largest wineries in Marlborough. Purity and purity is what Rapaura Springs stands for. For example, the water used for the vines comes from the Rapaura Spring water source, far away from the vineyards. This crystal clear and pure water from the Wairau River flows through the rocks and takes 6 months to reach the vineyards. The word 'Rapaura' therefore means: flowing water. There is great attention to detail within the New Zealand winery and the makers strive to make the most exceptional, clean and pure wines. All wines are sustainably produced.

The Rapaura Springs Single Vineyard range of wines are sourced from the finest vineyards and represent the best of the Marlborough region. Made in very limited quantities. The Bull Paddock Vineyard is located in the Dillons Point sub-region of the lower Wairau Valley in Marlborough, where the best Sauvignon Blanc grows in Marlborough. The land was originally used for bull breeding, before the Neylon family realized the potential of the terroir and planted Sauvignon Blanc. The young, well-drained, mineral-rich alluvial soils now produce grapes with heightened aromas and ripe flavors. It has a distinctive minerality to the wines grown in this vineyard.

The South Brook Vineyard is located in the Fairhall Valley, in the Marlborough Southern Valleys. This hillside location has different microclimates, creating unique fruit characteristics, which together form a complex and layered flavor profile. The clay soils in this vineyard are planted with traditional Dijon clones and produce Pinot Noir with intense dark cherry and berry characters.

The Rapaura Springs Marlborough South Brook Vineyard Pinot Noir is bursting with dark cherries and cassis fruits combined with notes of chocolate and spice. Fine tannins add a textural element to this wine, which is complemented by generous, ripe dark berries. Wonderfully soft tannins and a fine acidity that will keep these wines perfectly balanced for the next 8-10 years.

ABOUT 2019
The 2019 Marlborough growing season got off to a slow start with below average temperatures and increased rainfall resulting in cooler ground temperatures. Prolonged warm and dry weather resulted in advanced ripening and an earlier than average start to the harvest. The fruit for this wine was hand selected in the cool of the morning and then taken straight to the winery. Our Pinot Noir was cold soaked for five days prior to wild fermentation. Whole forest components (10%) were included for added complexity. After fermentation, the must is pressed and the wine is aged for ten months in French oak, with a total of 55% new oak (15% puncheon).