Folding Hill Orchard Block Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 $45
It’s been a long time between Orchard Block pinots with the last one being back in 2017! The western boundary of this, (the most sheltered part of the vineyard), is an orchard of cider apple trees and the handpicked fruit is fermented in a small open-top vessel before enjoying a long, sleepy 11 months in medium toasted French barrels (a third of which were new) followed by another 7 months in a seasoned, older Hogshead barrel. The result is a highly floral pinot scented with black tea and dark berry notes, and boasting deep, earthy, leather-laced flavours. Fresh and youthful, the tannins are softly plucky and each sip has great persistence on the palate.
