Burn Cottage Followup

In a recent issue of the PinotFile (princeofpinot.com/article/1063/), I wrote about the debut of Burn Cottage Vineyard Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand. This 68-acre estate near Cromwell has just over 27 acres under vine and has been farmed biodynamically from the beginning. Ted Lemon (Littorai) is the consulting vineyardist and winemaker who has directed the biodynamic program from the beginning. The owners, Marquis and Dianne Sauvage, have recently released their Pinot Noir from the 2009 vintage and recently sent my a sample to review. I was extremely impressed and have included my comments below. The wine is imported to the US and on retail shelves now.

The philosphy of winemaking is summarized on the website: “We believe in minimal intervention winemaking. We believe in minimizing sulfur usage and avoiding all additives whenever possible. We avoid the use of cultured yeasts, bacteria, associated nutrient products and filters. We avoid racking whenever possible and do wine work according to lunar and celestial rhythms.”

2009 Burn Cottage Central Otago Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.56, 1,136 cases, $50. 11% whole cluster. Aged in 38% new French oak and 21% stainless steel barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Opens slowly in the glass, and was much more expressive both aromatically and flavor wise the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Fragrant with aromas of red plums, black cherries and spice box. Lovely flavors of Bing cherries and dark red raspberries with complimentary oak in the background that is a bit intrusive at this young age. Plenty of charm and elegance with a soft, smooth mouth feel and a spring to its finish. Needs more time in the cellar. Very good.