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NOTES
The Delta Farm, first established in 1848, was purchased in 2000 by four partners. Winemaker Matt Thomson and London-based Master of Wine David Gleave are two of the partners. “The aim is to plant and work only with Pinot Noir, and to make the very best expression possible of Pinot from Marlborough,” explains Matt. With this in mind, Matt looked for a site on the low vigour clay soils to the south of the valley. ‘In the past, much Pinot was planted beside Sauvignon Blanc on the high vigour loam soils closer to the river,” explains Matt, one of the region’s busiest consultants. “This soil is ideal for Sauvignon, but not for Pinot.” His search drew him to the Delta site, where the vineyard was planted, using the best of the new Dijon clones, in 2002 and 2003.
The Delta Vineyard has 30 hectares of Pinot Noir. It is situated on the West Coast Highway in Marlborough in New Zealand’s South Island. About 25% of the vineyard is on the ‘flats’ while 75% is on the hills that rise to about 175 metres. The Delta Vineyard Pinot is made from the fruit grown on the 'flats', given extra depth by fruit from the hills. The Delta label comprises about two thirds of our production, with Hatter’s Hill making up the remaining third.
Hatter’s Hill is a selection of the best fruit from the vines on the hill blocks of Delta Vineyard, and this quality is further refined at blending, when only the best barrels are selected for this label.
TASTING NOTES
Dense ruby in colour, the wine displays fragrant aromas of Dawson cherries and ripe plums, integrated with lifted floral notes. There are also underlying hints of rich savoury toasty oak characters. The palate is of a medium bodied Pinot Noir, with complex and rich flavours of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by smoky hints from French oak. Elegant tannins and well balanced acidity lead to a rich flavour that lasts. This wine is drinking beautifully now, and patient cellaring will be rewarded during the next 3-5years.
OTHER REVIEWS
The impressive Hatters Hill 2006 Pinot Noir is more sullen with brambly fruits, almost animally in style, subdued on the entry but gaining in intensity with aeration, developing an almost Northern Rhone-like pepperiness towards the sumptuous finish. This is certainly a name to watch for in the future. 91 Points, The Wine Advocate
Curranty-kumquat, subtle clove toast oak, background spiciness. Plus raspberries. Has flesh and juice and peel in the mouth, with a bit of tannin oomph. Smoky dry to finish. 94 Points, The Australian Financial Review
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