No8 Pinot Noir is named in reference to Philip's lucky number 8. When the first Pinot Noir grapes were planted at Koomooloo, it was not an established variety in Orange, it was a lucky gamble that payed off.
The No8 is wonderfully expressive. Vibrant bouquet of Turkish delight, berry fruits and subtle hint of charcuterie and mint leaves. An elegant wine, the palate has juicy cherry and fresh plum, supple tannins, undertones of forest floor and graphite with lingering savoury herbal tones.
Viticulture
They say it normally floods following a drought, well in this case the old saying was proven correct. It was a wet winter and spring, and the start of summer was still full of hope. It was the earlier varieties such as Pinot Noir that really stood out. It was a return to memories of the cooler vintages like 2012 where the wines are shy to begin with but hide a depth and elegance that will age for a considerable period of time. Not a great vintage for our bigger reds but classic for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Vinification
The grapes are hand harvested and hand sorted. The wine is fermented in open vats with wild yeast. 40% whole bunch to develop interest and texture. Ten months maturation on lees in 30% new French barriques with malolactic fermentation in the spring.