From plantings dating back to the late 1970s, older well established vines on free draining silty clay loams, yielding fully ripe Pinot Noir grapes with concentrated characters and exemplary varietal expressions. The superlative sites are managed by viticulturist Ivan Sutherland, the fruit is vinified into a robust
Burgundian styling by James Healy, both contributed to the genesis at neighbouring Cloudy Bay. An ambitious collation of Dijon clones 777, 667 and 115, Pommard clone 5, Abel and 10/5 from the illustrious Dog Point Vineyard.
Ivan Sutherland owns extensive Marlborough vineyards and supplies fruit to many of Marlborough's most recognizable labels, the cream of the crop is reserved for Dog Point. The philosophy at around the winemaking operation involves nothing less tham total involvement by the stakeholders, from the vineyard and nurture of the fruit, throughout the entire winemaking process, whilst aiming to preserve the distinctive style and regional expression of Dog Point wines. Following the harvest and crush, fruit is inoculated through the action of wild indigenous yeasts and vinified for two to three weeks, followed by transfer to a selection of seasoned French oak barriques for eighteen months maturation.
TASTING NOTESDeep ruby colour. Aromas of vibrant ripe red fruit imbued with hints of violet over subtle smoke and earth nuances supplemented by spicy oak savouriness. Richly flavoured with intense red fruits, well balanced subtle sweetness and spicy well integrated oak to a delicate, lingering finish. To accompany rare duck breast or truffled venison pie.