Eclipse Pinot Noir 2018 Magnum
Planted between 1993 and 2005 and farmed organically. Some of the deepest free-draining gravels on the famed Martinborough Terrace. Delivering power with elegance which typifies Pinot Noir from this Cru. Handpicking, gentle handling, and careful oak selection ensure we remain faithful in the expression of our site and of every vintage. Built to cellar.
Winemaker comment
“Planted between 1993 and 2005 and farmed organically. Some of the deepest free-draining gravels on the famed Martinborough Terrace. Delivering power with elegance which typifies Pinot Noir from this Cru. Handpicking, gentle handling, and careful oak selection ensure we remain faithful in the expression of our site and of every vintage. Built to cellar.”
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Ample winter and early spring rains made parts of the vineyard inaccessible for machinery in the early part of the growing season. Conditions changed to extreme dry with a mini drought and well above average temperatures into late October and November. Good even budburst followed by an excellent fruit set, combined with rapid shoot growth promised an excellent crop. Alas, the weather turned again! High and frequent rainfall combined with high temperatures created a nightmare scenario in the vineyard; everything grew like crazy, and disease pressure was very high! The team worked like mad and made the best of a difficult season. Harvest in the end was two–three weeks ahead of normal. The 2018 Eclipse Vineyard Pinot Noir was sourced from Block one which was planted in 1993 with clones UCD5, 115, 114 & 667 and from Block 4 which planted in 1993 with clones UCD5, 13 and 10/5.
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Fruit hand sorted and majority destemmed with the intact berries gently tipped into 2 and 3 ton open topped fermenters. Around 2 ton of 10/5 was kept separate and fermented 100% whole cluster. Chilled to delay the onset of fermentation in the destemmed portions whilst the whole cluster ferment simply sat with gas coverage until it started on its own, which in the end took nearly two weeks. All ferments were spontaneous. Destemmed portions gently plunged twice daily, whole cluster ferment plunged by foot a couple of times each day. Total maceration was between 20-30 days. Following pressing the wine was run off into a mixture of barriques and puncheons (around 15% new) for 12 months maturation. Blending and racking took place in May 2019. Unfined and unfiltered. No animal products used.
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Deep red hue. More earth and spice led rather than upfront fruit, although there is plenty of darker cherry in the mix. The overall fruit, spice, earth, floral matrix very appealing, giving this wine an elevated level of complexity and sophistication, something not always noted in a youthful wine. Very happy with the whole bunch component, it is present and supportive. Upon tasting one is greeted with a palate of considerable depth and dimension. A terrific density to the tannin grain, a plushness about the front and middle with considerable authority towards the finish with firmer tannins ensuring staying power. Plenty to taste and contemplate here. Great drinking upon release but will cellar for 10 plus years.
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Superb with venison or a hearty beef stew or go all out and pair with any truffle based dish
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pH 3.65
TA 4.7 g/L
RS 0.4 g/L
Alc 13.5 %
Bottled Sep 2019
Recent reviews
“5 stars - The impressive 2018 vintage was hand-picked from vines planted on the Martinborough Terrace in 1993, matured for a year in French oak barriques and puncheons (15 per cent new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep ruby, it is mouthfilling, complex and structured, with deep, ripe, berryish, spicy flavours, hints of liquorice and nuts, and a powerful finish. Full of personality, it should be at its best 2022+.”
“5 stars / 95 points - Brooding and engaging, yet graceful and sophisticated, the wine shows Black Doris plum, sweet cherry, smoked game, bay leaf and toasted nut characters on the nose, leading to a superbly weighted palate that exhibits excellent depth and multi-layered mouthfeel. It’s classically structured by fine grainy tannins, finishing magnificently long and flavoursome. At its best: now to 2028”
“4 stars / 91 points - From the Eclipse vineyard on the Martinborough Terraces. Elegant, vibrant pinot noir with floral, cherry and subtle oyster-shell flavours. A youthful wine that needs a little time to show its full potential. Fresh acidity and fine tannins promote a fairly austere and drying finish.”
“94 points / Excellent - Fragrant, plush, perfumed and enticing bouquet. Aromas of sweet red cherry, red apple skin, rose and wild berries. Noticeable scents of vanilla and baking spices of oak, but not overdone - in fact - snug against the backdrop of fruit. An enticing complexity. On the palate - an immediate core of fruit with a silky texture; contrasting chalky textured tannins and medium+ acidity. Flavours of red berries and florals reflect the nose. An elegant, even, balanced and well made wine. Best drinking from 2021 through 2025+”
