Sophia Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2014

The 2014 season started very favorably with noticeably warmer conditions experienced in spring and early summer compared to the district average. Phenology in Pinot Noir was 5-7 days ahead and above average temperatures along with rainfall promoted vigorous, healthy early vine growth. In December, conditions cooled somewhat closer to normal and rainfall returned to near average, which provided ideal conditions around flowering and fruitset. Fruitset was close to perfect due to warm, settled dry conditions resulting in uniform berry-set in all major varieties and above average bunch weights. This prompted some intensive early crop thinning to keep the vines in balance. Ideal dry conditions persisted into February and March, which resulted in canopy growth in favor of fruit development. These cooler conditions persisted into February and March, which resulted in phenology returning to normal while preserving the delicate acidity and fruit freshness. Harvest commenced on the 27th of March and was completed for all varieties on the 7th of April, our earliest finish to date. A memorable vintage.

Darkest red. Brooding aromatically with blackcurrant, blackberry, dried red rose and cedar notes emerging. The wine exerts elegance across the palate with a pure red /black fruit core drawn long by layers of fine grained tannins.

• The Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is widely regarded as New Zealand's best terroir for Bordeaux blends and Syrah.
• In blind tastings, Sophia has repeatedly placed ahead of top First Growth Bordeaux.
• Like southern Rhône vineyards, Gimblett Gravels is covered by stones that absorb the day's heat to radiate it at night, promoting exceptional ripeness.