Čuvar Guardians Ballochdale Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023

Čuvar Guardians Ballochdale Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023"This is immensely complex and seductive, showing dark berry, clove, star anise, rich floral and nutmeg aromas with a hint of porcini. The concentrated palate exhibits outstanding depth and presence, superbly supported by plush texture and finely infused tannins. Wonderfully structured and harmonious with a sustained, satisfying finish" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2024 "Moderate; y deep ruby red with a purple hue. The nose is elegant and gentle, with

"This is immensely complex and seductive, showing dark berry, clove, star anise, rich floral and nutmeg aromas with a hint of porcini. The concentrated palate exhibits outstanding depth and presence, superbly supported by plush texture and finely infused tannins. Wonderfully structured and harmonious with a sustained, satisfying finish" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2024

"Moderate;y deep ruby-red with a purple hue. The nose is elegant and gentle, with aromas of black and red cherry, cranberry, young plum, hibiscus and spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of red and black cherry melded with cranberry, young plum, hibiscus, unfolding, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. The fruit is lifted and bright, supported by lively acidity. Dusty, supple tannins lightly adorn a silky mouthfeel, lending an enticing finish. This Pinot Noir is elegantly expressed with purity and freshness on a silky mouthfeel" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Jul 2024

Bright ruby red with a slight garnet hue, and an inviting nose with aromas of ripe red cherry, cranberry and accented hints of savoury earthiness. Overall, this wine displays a vibrancy and ripe red fruit profile typical of the region along with added depth, structure and spicy nuances from ageing in French oak barriques. While still youthful, the wine already shows nice complexity from the oak maturation and will age gracefully well into the end of the decade.

Ballochdale, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 100% The vineyard holds itself proud 300 meters above sea level. It’s altitude, sheltered northerly aspect and spectacular inland location provide a high diurnal temperature range, and evenness of and suitability of soils that combined, give us the ability to grow grapes and produce wines of identity and intensity. The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike.

2023 in Marlborough was a textbook growing season for us out at Ballochdale.

100% hand-picked. 5% whole bunch fermented; remainder destemmed no crushing. 80% indigenous yeast ferment; 100% oak matured in 37% new French barrique and the remainder seasoned oak for a total of 10 months. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally during the spring months of 2023. 100% small vat (2 – 3 tonne parcels) hand plunged.