Rowland Wines

2002JILL'S VINEYARD PINOT NOIR, NEW ZEALAND Tanks , Temperature & Weather! At last! ...Our new 8 ton fermentation tanks arrived allowing us to have better control over the heating and cooling of our fermentation program. Heat is essential and directly effects the extraction from the fruit of 'aroma types', color, stability of the color, body and density of the wine. Control of all of these components are quite critical to the making of a good Pinot Noir. As the above qualities all have differing optimal temperatures, a range of 50 to 90 deg. F, the ability to heat and cool at any point allows us to dial in exactly what we want of each character without over extracting tannin, bitter or astringent compounds. The North Island and Northern part of the South Island in '02 was severely hit by bad weather during flowering so very low yields were the result. Fortunately in Alexandra we are protected by the Southern Alps that rise to an elevation 6,500 to 10,000 feet stabilizing our weather patterns. Once again the choice of Central Otago proves itself as a superior area for Pinot Noir by removing the weather variable from an already tricky variety. Our growing season was perfect. A warm spring with minimal frosts, warm to hot summer tapering off to a warm fall with cool nights again with minimal frosts kept our vine canopy in check with the fruit attaining full maturity. A great season with the bonus of new tanks lifted us to a new level for the Jill's Vineyard 2002 Pinot Noir. Notes and Stats Style: Accadian Harvested: 2.6 ton/acre @ 38F 10 AM Yeast: 30% Wild yeast, 35% Rhone, 35% Germanic Time on Skins: Cold Maceration 10 days, 30 days total time on skins Fermentation Type: 100% Whole berry, open-top fermentation Cooperage: 100% French Oak; 60% new, 40% 1-2 years old Clarification: Lightly fined, unfiltered Vineyard Location: 100 % Jill's Vineyard, New Zealand - Central Otago Case Production:  55     Winemakers Notes: Dense, ruby-garnet; unfiltered with earthy smoky cassis and blackberry aromas. Velvety and creamy on the palate with a long, lingering mouth-feel. Back to Releases page... Also be sure to learn about... All Contents Copyright © Rowland Cellars, Inc. Web site designed & maintained by Missing Link Networks.