Vintage: The 2008 vintage had ideal growing conditions throughout the season only dampened by rain in the latter part of the harvest. Warm flowering conditions in late spring suggested good crop levels and alternating periods of rain and sun over summer provided the optimal grape growing momentum to harvest time. Early varieties were picked in perfect conditions while strict selection in picking the later varieties saw good quality fruit come in.
Viticulture: Our aim is best summed up by 'fine wine begins with the vine'. Our approach is through organic and bio-dynamic viticulture (The Corners Vineyard is in conversion to BioGro NZ certification) where we strive for balance in the vineyard. This ultimately provides grapes that are a reflection of our particular site.
Winemaking: Hand harvested then whole bunch pressed, clear juice settled overnight then racked to oak barrel (7% new oak), pressings (20%) processed separately and blended back at pre-bottle. Lees stirred post ferment. Filtered but not fined prior to bottling.
Yeast: 80% cultured, 20% indigenous (free run component cultured (VL3), pressings component indigenous)
Maturation: In barrel on ferment lees for 3 and ½ months
Cellaring: Recommended 2 to 5 years.
Technical: alc 13 %, pH 3.27, TA 7.3 g/l, RS 6.8 g/l
Bottling Date: 3 September2008