Wine Composition

100% Pinot Noir

Winemakers Comments

Delicate aromas of maraschino cherry and cloves with an overlay of spice. The palate is fresh and vibrant with hints of vanilla and spice and a long lingering finish.

Awards

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage 

13%

TA

5 g/l 

RS

1.7 g/l

Vintage

Vintage 2017 was a challenge for sure. The weather leading into harvest was good, and all varieties looked good with little stress due to the absence of drought conditions. Early varieties were excellent, the Pinot Noir had excellent acid balance and light crops. Pinot Noir color was very deep. The ripening period was longer than usual; despite warm temperatures the ripening between veraison and maturity happened relatively slowly.

Cellar Techniques 

Natural fermentation. Gentle hand plunging. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months prior to final blending.

Winemaker

Name - Richelle Collier

Winery

In the 1990's, deep in the Waihopai Valley, Bryan and Jan Johnson established 320 acres of estate vineyards on land considered too hard, too dry and too unfertile for wine.

It was a venture that started with a passion for the land. This pioneering spirit established one of New Zealand’s most successful boutique family-run wineries, now exporting eight varietals to 35 countries, from a crush capacity of 3000 tonnes. 

Today, Spy Valley’s commitment remains to the land and to the people who tend it, and their focus is on sustainability which will ensure the guardianship of this land for generations to come.  

The name ‘Spy Valley’ comes from the wineries proximity to the spy base located down the road.