CASE OF 6 BOTTLES
Purchased by Phil Sexton in 2013, the Applejack Vineyard was planted in 1997 by highly respected viticulturist Ray Guerin. Today it is meticulously managed by his son Mark. The vineyard is situated in the Upper Yarra Valley at higher altitudes of 300 metres above sea level, resulting in cooler growing conditions - ideal for Pinot Noir. The 12 hectare vineyard sits on a dramatic, east-facing slope of grey-brown clay loams, close-planted with MV6, 114 and 115 clones.
 
Hand picked, all fruit is chilled overnight to 12 degrees Celsius. Fermented in small oak fermenters and stainless steel open vats. The Pommard parcels were fermented as whole bunches, while the remaining clones were destemmed to whole berries and cold soaked for five days. The resulting blend is almost 20% whole bunch. All parcels were matured in French oak 20% new, 80% older – for ten months in 225L barriques, Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé. Racked to blend, no fining, no filtration. Bottled by gravity.
 
This Pinot Noir is deep purple in colour. The nose opens with a bouquet of maraschino cherry and plum, with some spicy notes and a slight savoury character. Vibrant, fresh on the palate with silky, ripe tannins and a luscious finish.
 
Single bottle price: £54.95 per bottle
Case price - £52.95 per bottle