2018 Martinborough Testify Pinot Noir

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Winemaking & Ageing Process: After a relatively warm summer, there was a bit of rain ahead of and during harvest. However, the dry farmed site remained relatively unaffected by the rain as the temperatures also remained warm throughout picking. Picking was done by clone across the vineyard and over the course of 3 weeks. All the fruit was hand sorted and a variety of vinifcation vats were filled, ranging from 5 to 40% whole bunch ferments where they cold soaked for a few days before naturally warming. Some ferments went ‘wild’ with indigenous yeasts and some were inoculated with some organic yeast strains. After fermentation the wine was macerated on skins for an additional 10 to 21 days. They were then pressed in a small basket press, settled in tank and then put to French barriques, again separated by clone. The Testify Pinot Noir was a barrel selection resulting in 25% new oak. Clones 777 and 667 were the focus of this wine, creating a more aromatic and elegant style. Some Clone 5 was used to add more mid palate weight. The wine was unfined and bottled in early March of 2019 and remained in bottle until its release in August 2021. Aged 10 months in fine grain French oak barriques (20% new). Then aged an additional 2 years in bottle.

Winemaker Bio: The man behind the brand. After a lifetime in the restaurant world and a career in the music business, Daniel Brennan brings a surfeit of experience and passion to Decibel. He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with his trusted growers to expand the range and push the organic programme.

Tasting Notes & Analysis: Ruby red and garnet colour. The nose is bright with pure hints of cherry blossom, fine grain cedar and at this early stage, primary red fruit notes. The front palate shows sweet and elegant fruit up front with lush mocha and darker fruit in the mid-palate. The wine drives soft, delicate and refined with hints of perky, chalky tannins. The finish is fleshy with a juicy acidity that carries it through a balance of elegance and rising power.

Formats: 750ml, 6 bottles per case

Private Client $108.86/btl Investment of $653.16 per case

Licensee: $97.04/btl Investment of $582.24 per case

Order here or via info@onivino.ca

*Sold out – next release expected in spring 2023