WINEMAKERS NOTE

BACKGROUND
At Simon Tolley Wines we are firm believers that great wine is made in the vineyard. To this end, no stone is unturned to grow the best quality fruit we can on our family vineyard at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. To grow the best fruit, you need to select not only the right site but also the right clone to deliver the results that you want to achieve in the finished wine. For Pinot Noir, we have chosen MV6 clone. This clone was firstly planted at Mt Pleasant in the 1920’s and later commercially released in 1971. At this location, it was Penfold’s choice of clone to ultimately get their desired flavours from the region. . This clone has moderate yields, bunch size, berry size and bunch compactness and produces fruit with pronounced aromatic and rich berry characters.

HARVEST
With an almost perfect growing season, a small parcel of carefully selected Pinot Noir fruit was hand-picked from a small vineyard located at Verdun in the Adelaide Hills on the 20th March 2020. The site is elevated and has a south easterly aspect, perfect for ripening high quality fruit.

WINEMAKING
Low yielding vines were hand harvested in the cool of the morning; approximately 90% of the bunches were de-stemmed and 10% remained as whole bunch through a 10-14 day open ferment. Approximately 10 months in French oak barrels.

CHARACTER
A bright crimson red colour with an expressive bouquet and silky smooth tannins. Dark cherry flavours with the subtle influence of whole bunch fermentation providing a hint of forest floor aromas. 10 months maturation in French Barriques and Hogheads adding spice and texture.

ALCOHOL – 13.5% alc/vol

SCREW CAP – Ensuring freshness and longevity

*Vintage may vary and roll into a new year without notice