2020 Payten & Jones Valley Vignerons Pinot Noir

Bright and light style of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Savoury secondary notes developing, from a cracking vintage. Whole berry ferment to produce perfume and that carbonic spice on the nose with with a savoury structured pallet. Old oak to complex. No fining or filtration.

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Viticulture

From 20 year old vines, grown at 90m altitude, on an eastern aspect. The rows are planted north south, using VSP trellising. Soils are silty clay loam over brown clay, with mudstone and ironstone throughout. Viticulture is using the sustainability models now developed, including the use of biodynamic based theories – we now have the capability to use cultured, live, ‘beneficial’ bacteria to overpopulate the vine area to prevent mould growth. None of our vineyards will ever use pesticide.

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Vinification

Really really simple – 90% is carbonic maceration till nearly dry (0.5 Baume) pressed off for final tank ferment to dry. Remaining is whole bunch ferment for savoury aromatics and tannins. Fermented for 4 days then pressed to tank for final ferment. We utilise the indigenous yeast found in the vineyards to initiate ferment and provide complex aromatics. All held in tank, no oak – including a large 3000L Stainless Steel Egg vessel – this adds texture to the mid palate whilst retaining brightness and purity of fruit.
Bottled after 7 months maturation.

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Recommendation

Deliciously juicy red, lovely with duck ragout, or more simply wild mushrooms on toast.