Product Information:
This is not a Pinot you want to miss. This 2023 Pinot Noir scored 95 points and a gold medal in the 2024 New Zealand International Wine Show. The 2023 season laid out all the groundwork for exceptional Pinot Noir.
Warm weather from January through harvest kept fruit pristine and allowing extra hangtime on the vine this means increased flavour concentration, for an elegant and powerful Pinot Noir. On the nose there's black cherry, savoury herbs, clove and a dusting of cinnamon. Flavours mirror these characters delivered with power and grace. Closing out with fine powdery tannins, giving it structure and impressive length.
Small parcels of fruit were harvested over 14 days by both hand and machine. The handpicked fruit was mostly destemmed, with a small percentage of whole bunches across several fermenters. Exceptional fruit meant wild yeasts completed the fermentation, combined with gentle handling in the winery the result is both power and elegance. Batches spent a minimum of 21 days on skins before draining and pressing. The wine is matured in French oak (12% new) for 11 months before selected batches are blended in February and bottled in March prior to the next harvest. This wine is vegan and carnivore friendly and made without any fining.
Maker:
Catalina sounds officially took flight in 2005 with a singular vision to produce the best wines in Marlborough. Named after the majestic Catalina flying boats and the iconic Marlborough Sounds at our doorstep, Catalina Sounds produces wines that are true to the region and our vineyard sites while building an extra textural dimension – wines that are uniquely Catalina Sounds. The name comes from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II. New Zealand’s famous and largest warbird, the Catalina is a rare sight, in fact there are only a handful of these beautiful, iconic planes left in the world today. Get up close to the label, and you can just spot the reflection of the Catalina soaring across the Sounds.
Evolved from their humble origins, Catalina Sounds has quickly reputation for producing premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc throughout the world. Now pushing into new varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Their aim remains to produce a single vineyard range from their over achieving estate vineyard, 'Sound of White'.
Catalina Sounds is accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, a core element of their winemaking and viticultural philosophy is protecting, regenerating and planning for a sustainable future. In recent years, Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) certification has become an integral piece of their vision to produce the best wines of Marlborough. Catalina Sounds considers AMW as the benchmark for protecting provenance and a signifier of integrity and quality as they look toward the future of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in a supply constrained market.
Vineyard:
The 2023 Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir is sourced exclusively from two vineyard sites – our estate vineyard Sound of White and a dedicated grower vineyard. These are both situated in the sought-after Southern Valleys sub-district where the inherent soils, comprised of clay loams and fine gravels create wines with depth and finesse. The blocks vary in age with a range of clones and yields are restricted to ensure quality is the main driver over volume.
The 2023 vintage was late to start due to wetter weather and cooler temperatures up until December. Fine, warm weather from January through harvest kept fruit pristine and created suitable conditions for extra hangtime on the vine, which provided increased flavour concentration, exceptional varietal purity and laid the groundwork for exceptional Pinot Noir.
Nose - Black Cherry, Savoury Herbs, Baking Spices
A vibrant Pinot Noir with black cherry, savoury herbs and baking spices.
Palate - Cedar, Ripe Plums, Fine Tannin
The palate explores both elegance and power that creates real appeal. .
Finish - Juicy Red Cherries, Dried Cranberry, Black Tea
Finely powdered tannins provide welcome structure and length to the ripe mid-palate fruit.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - New Zealand
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.25%
