Richmond Plains Nelson Pinot Noir

Richmond Plains Pinot Noir is made in an elegant, appealing style that can be enjoyed when young but will also benefit from a little cellaring for developing more complex characters. The making of the wine was comparatively simple: The fruit was crushed and de-stemmed and transferred to open fermenters. After a period of cold maceration for four days, the juice was inoculated for fermentation. Approximately 70% was then transferred into a mixture of French oak barriques with the remainder being held in tank. The result is a delicious and smooth New Zealand Pinot Noir with a dark cherry nose with chocolate and raspberry and a palate full of earthy, forest fruits with cherry and a moderate layer of oak.

• 94 Points, Excellent, ‘Floral, fruity, sweet scented and varietal with aromas of raspberry and cherry, ripe red apple skin and a core of mineral and gun-flint. Impressive on the palate with flavours of baking spices and red fruits, an abundance of fine tannins and acidity for foundation and structure. Moderate oak layer adds tannins and a toasty quality with vanilla and nut flavours. Youthful still, well made with a lengthy finish. Best drinking from 2023 through 2030.’ Cameron Douglas MS, April 2022 (2020 vintage)
• 90 Points, James Suckling (2013 vintage)
• Silver Medal, New Zealand Organic Wine Awards (2013 vintage)
• 4.5 Stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2013 vintage)

Richmond Plains winery has been owned by Lars Jensen and his wife Samantha since 2008, fulfilling a long-held dream. Lars has been committed to enjoying and making great wines since he 'stole' a sip from his parent's glass as a child. His enthusiasm remains unabated 'every bottle, every vintage and every variety is a new discovery…making me eager for more'. They believe that the Nelson region, on the top of the South Island, offers the perfect location for producing fantastic wines, being 'blessed with the longest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand,  combined with free-draining soils of ancient river beds, perfect for producing vibrant fruit driven white wines and well-structured elegant red wines.' Comprising just 8 hectares of vines in total, the estate has been organic since 1991. Great wines are made in the vineyard. Lars and Samantha believe in working with nature in order to nourish biologically active soils and vines so that they produce top quality grapes and wines. Their vineyard is a natural carbon sink as they mulch vine prunings, grasses, herbs, leaves and grape skins back into the soil. This also increases the soil depth and organic matter which is rich in natural fertility and hosts millions of beneficial organisms and insects. The lush green vineyard creates an attractive habitat for a variety of native birds, lizards, butterflies and beneficial insects like ladybirds. Winemaker Steve Gill says, 'I believe that we make world-class wine in Nelson... it is this blend of creativity/art and science that I love about winemaking….I am delighted to be making organic wine that has been made working with nature. The best wine is made from minimal interference in the winery.'