2018 Burn Cottage 'Moonlight Race' Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage

New Zealand / Central Otago / Burn Cottage

It was a warm season with above-average temperatures in December and January. Mid-season conditions were very calm with low wind-run and no significant rainfall, so the season was tracking well ahead of usual timing. Some rain, and then overall milder conditions in
February and March meant ripening slowed favourably towards harvest. The 2018 harvest was the earliest to date commencing 13th March (we finished picking Moonlight Race on 27th); however, those late-season conditions had helped to give lovely ripeness whilst retaining balance and finesse.
The wine is a 50:50 blend from our Burn Cottage Vineyard in Cromwell and Sauvage Vineyard in Bannockburn. It brings together eight different clones from six blocks on the former, with five Pinot Noir clones from the latter. The grapes were picked at an average Brix of 23.7. The ferments contained 15% whole bunches, and the wine was matured in oak barrels (19% new) from the Damy, Mercurey and Sylvain cooperages.
Wonderful savoury and herb tones are supported by spice, red fruit, pepper and mineral complexity. Supple and elegant, the wine is focused with a lovely freshness and fine smooth tannin extending the palate. Cellaring potential to seven years. - Claire Mulholland, Burn Cottage

April, 2020

Bob Campbell MW

The Real Review

94 points.

A blend of fruit from the Home vineyard in Lowburn and the Sauvage vineyard in Bannockburn. Seductive and accessible pinot noir with ripe cherry, fresh herb, plum, spice, thyme, roasted chestnut and nutty oak flavours.

March, 2021

Cameron Douglas MS

camdouglasms.com

94 points.

Complex yet subtle, earthy before fruity, floral before oaky, totally varietal and completely captivating. On the palate - dry, tense, fruity, youthful, lighter on it feet, but loaded with varietal signatures of dried herb and red berry fruits, fine tannins and medium+ acidity, mineral and earth layers, nicely complex and nothing overdone. Balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2025.

February, 2021

Nick Stock

jamessuckling.com

92 points.

This has attractive aromas of fresh red cherries, wild herbs, roses and forest wood that lead to a palate that carries ripe, soft red plums, some crunchy pomegranate tang and mellow tannins. Drink now.

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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.Born-and-bred Central Otago talent Claire Mullholland, formerly of Martinborough Vineyards and Amisfield, takes charge of the winemaking, realising the bright, lively, profound potential of these vineyards year in, year out.
Biodynamic producer

About

Originally from Central Otago, following university Claire worked in the pioneering vineyards of this region such as Rippon, Chard Farm and Gibbston Valley. Ensuing vintages abroad were focussed on building up an international picture of Pinot Noir, working in Australia, Oregon and France, including Burgundy’s Cote de Nuit at Domaine De L’Arlot and Domaine Dujac. Significant New Zealand winegrowing experience included roles as head winemaker at Martinborough Vineyard and Amisfield, before joining Burn Cottage Vineyard.