2015 Burn Cottage 'Cashburn' Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage

New Zealand / Central Otago / Burn Cottage

Vintage 2015 at Burn Cottage Vineyard

Less rain in winter, a very windy October, and patchy early season weather meant slow vine growth initially. Some frost fighting was required, (some events as late as December) however no damage was sustained. The weather warmed considerably to above average temperatures mid-season, enabling healthy vine growth, and a favorably short flowering. Central Otago had fantastic summer weather and very warm nights at times, so the season quickly caught up to normal timing and maturity progressed well. Cooler periods in February did not change the overall flow of the season and we proceeded to pick in mild weather at the usual timing in March/ April, with winter setting in shortly afterwards.

Tasting Note

Exotic notes of orange zest and cherry liqueur leap from the glass. On the palate the wine is wonderfully understated and elegant with soft, supple tannin. Bright acidity lends balance and freshness to the long finish.

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About Burn Cottage

Chicago wine importer Marquis Savage fell in love with Central Otago on what was meant to be a quick tour of the region. Falling in love meant purchasing 24 hectares in the Cromwell basin, which were subsequently planted with clones specific to soil type and in accordance with biodynamic principles. Enlisted to help in this task was Ted Lemon of Littorai, who brought with him more than three decades of practical knowledge of terroir winegrowing based on experience in Burgundy, California and Oregon. Ted continues to define the path of the wines, whose reputation has justly spread far and wide - and fast. Claire Mullholland, formerly of Martinborough Vineyards and Amisfield, takes care of the day-to-day winemaking duties.
Biodynamic producer

About

Ted's a lifelong winemaker who began his career by receiving an Oenology degree from the Université de Dijon in 1981. He worked at many prestigious estates in Burgundy: Domaine Georges Roumier; Domaine Bruno Clair; Domaine Parent; Domaine De Villaine; Domaine Delorme; and Domaine Dujac. He was the first American ever selected as winemaker and vineyard manager of a Burgundian estate, at Domaine Guy Roulot in Meursault, and remained in Burgundy until 1984. Upon returning to the US, Ted became the founding winemaker of Chateau Woltner on Howell Mountain. Since then he's been consultant to a number of prominent wineries and in the early '90s he and wife Heidi founded their own venture, Littorai, where they focus on making top-notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.