Luna Estate Pinot Noir 2019

Rich and quite flavoursome pinot noir with red-fleshed plum, spice, dark cherry and a hint of floral characters. A backbone of peppery tannins makes this a good food wine with moderate cellaring potential. Good value at this price. Bob Campbell

Winter came late with August and September cold and wet. Jack Frost paid avisit with a catastrophic event occurring late spring resulting in heavy lossesacross the region. We were not spared, Eclipse vineyard was struck across theblocks closest to the terrace edge, losses estimated around 30%. High rainfallreturned in November negatively impacting on the flowering stage, reducingcrop levels significantly and making vineyard work extremely difficult. To putit mildly; a highly challenging spring. Summer was hot and relatively dry.Harvest was early again with perfect weather for picking. In the end excellentquality fruit harvested albeit in small quantities.

As always, crafted using 100% Estate grown Pinot Noir harvested from both ofour vineyards. Majority harvested from the younger vines growing on theclay/limestone hillside of the Blue Rock Vineyard. All fruit is de stemmed andgently transferred into 6 ton open top temperature controlled stainless steelfermenters. The fruit is chilled down and held for a 5-6 day ‘cold soak’ to aidin colour and flavour extraction. Once the cooling is turned off the fermentbegins as the fruit slowly comes up to ambient temperature. Oncefermentation is in progress the ‘ferment’ is plunged twice daily. Temperatureis closely monitored with a peak of around 30 degrees C allowed towards theend of the fermentation. Total maceration time was between 15–30 daysbefore gentle pressing followed by oak maturation for 10 months. Bottledfollowing minimal fining and gentle filtration. No animal products used.

Oak maturation for 10 months.