Bolney Estate Pinot Noir 11.5% 2022

This smooth, velvety wine bursting with morello cherry, red fruits and raspberry with a hint of dark chocolate. Black pepper and spice notes, with a dry, delicious lingering finish.

Bolney Wine Estate is located on the edge of the South Downs, about 14 miles from the UK’s south coast, and comprises five unique vineyard sites at around 36m (118ft) above sea level.

The vines here are between ten and twenty years old and are planted at a density of 2,470 vines/ha. Mean average temperatures across the growing season (April to September) are in the range of 12°C–15°C, though daytime summer temperatures are often in the mid-20°Cs. The proximity of the Estate to the South Downs, combined with the low altitude and surrounding woodland, helps to shelter the Estate from the prevailing southwesterlies.

The hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes were crushed then cold-soaked for 48 hours to extract primary fruit aromas. The wine was then fermented for 7 days at 23°C, enabling colour, flavour and tannin extraction. After pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tank and oak barrel. It was aged for 6 weeks in old oak prior to blending.