Brightwater Gravels Pinot Noir 2021

Reviews and accolades

New vintage without any reviews yet. The Brightwater Gravels Pinot Noir 2020 received:

Cameron Douglas MS: 92/100 (Premium: A wine with special qualities). Plump, ripe, fresh, fruity and varietal with aromas and flavours of red and dark red cherries, moments of plum and dark strawberry and spices of oak and toasty wood. On the palate - dry with flavours of fruits that reflect the nose and the variety with red stone fruits and plum then a savoury dried herb layer. Moderate tannins and medium+ acidity. Coming into balance in time to drink from mid 2022 through 2026.

Tasting note

The good ripeness level achieved in 2021 is announced by the opaque ruby colour of this wine. Dark ripe plum notes are evident on the nose and palate. The wine is medium to full bodied and the soft, yet balanced acidity enables a plush mouthfeel. It is gently spiced, and rich in fine tannins that are velvet smooth. The finish leaves an impression that is gently warming and just a little rustic.

Aromas and flavours:

Additional information

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard location: Nelson, New Zealand.

Soil type: Flat alluvial soils overlaying free draining gravels and clay base material.

Vintage 2021: Another mild winter set the scene for early budburst and the frost dance. Frosts and hail events were averted and spring continued wettish and mild. Smaller but nicely balanced crops were pleased to receive sunshine and settled weather from mid summer through to ripeness. A season of some challenge but resulting in bright and vibrant fruit for the winery magic.

Regional climate: Nelson is regularly New Zealand’s sunniest region. With young alluvial soils, abundant clean fresh water and a sheltered topography, Nelson grows a wide range of crops to exceptional standards. The proximity of Nelson to the temperate Tasman Sea ensures minimal frost risk and moderation of extreme daytime temperatures. Grapes ripen evenly and slowly allowing full and bright flavour development.

Winemaking: 100% Swiss Clone 10/5 hand harvested from two sites on the Waimea Plains. Gentle destemming facilitated a notable component of carbonic maceration for the aromatic benefit of a generally robust grape. Gentle plunging and a well managed fermentation was crucial for tannin management. The young wine then enjoyed 10 months in small French oak barrels. Natural Malolactic fermentation occurred in the spring and the wine was bottled in December 2022 with minimum filtration and no fining.

Alcohol: 13.5% vol

Residual sugar: <1g/l

Bottle size: 0.75l

Notice: contains sulphites

Cellaring potential: 2026+

Closure: Screwcap

Produced and bottled by: Drinks Cabinet Limited, Atawhai, Nelson 7010, New Zealand

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