2016 Burn Cottage Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage Vineyard is a natural northeast-facing amphitheatre at the south end of the Pisa Range in the Cromwell Basin. Vines are planted to a density of 5000 vines/Ha, and have an average age of 11-13 years. The vineyard and property are biodynamically farmed.

For the 2016 vintage the ferment included 23% whole clusters and the wine was matured in French oak barrels, with 24% of the being new.

Deep dark red colour with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. Perfumed aromatics of violets, ripe dark cherries, strawberries and anise blossom from the glass followed by hints of clove, toasty cedar, forest floor and spice. Light to medium weight the palate is flooded with spicy dark cherry and ripe strawberry flavours laced with dried clove, showing notable power. Also present are stalky forest floor like characters and spicy cedar. Supple mid palate feel yet possessing excellent acid structure and finely integrated tannins. Long elegant finish.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…
This is a terrific Pinot Noir - great to drink now despite the sneaking feeling it's going to get even better with bottle age. Totally seductive ripe cherry, berry and plum flavours with added complexity from subliminal floral, spice, savoury and herb. The texture is to die for and the wine has impressive power as evidenced by a lingering finish that won't quit.
98 points
Bob Campbell - The Real Review

Central Otago has its ups and downs, in terms of winemaking style, but Burn Cottage seems to regularly combine fine balance with high drinking appeal.
Fragrant and rosy, scrub herb, plum and cherry, spice and subtle oak. Medium bodied, great flavour, smooth feel, and a ‘settled’ character to it, supple fine-grained tannin, slightly earthy and malty in the finish. Delightful. So well done. Drink 2018-2026+
95 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front