2011 Clayvin Pinot Noir, Giesen, Marlborough
The vineyard is renowned the world over for its capacity to produce outstanding Pinot Noir and the Clayvin refers to the cocktail of clay soils on this well-exposed hillside site in Brancott Valley. This doesn’t rely on the formidable reputation of the vineyard alone as Marcel Giesen’s winemaking is second to none. Carefully managed new oak brings a sweet toasty depth to the ethereal nature of the fruit. Whole berries and bunches are left to ferment naturally to retain freshness, elegance and wonderful purity of fruit. Astonishingly, only 3 barrels of the 90 available from the site go into making this single vineyard bottling ; this is quality selection at its most intense.