Schubert Block B Pinot Noir 2017
$69/Bottle
Schubert Estate and the ‘Block B’ Pinot Noir
Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling, both Geisenheim University Viticulture & Oenology graduates from Germany, established Schubert Wines in 1998. Having worked with winemakers like Erni Loosen of Dr Loosen Estate in Bernkastel, Germany as well as in various vineyards across the world, their dream had always been to set off around the globe in search of the ideal place to plant and produce their true passion – Pinot Noir. After travelling through regions like Oregon, California, Australia and parts of Europe, they arrived in the small region of Martinborough in the Wairarapa province of New Zealand. And it was there that Kai and Marion knew they had finally found what they were looking for. In the spring of 1998, they acquired a small established local vineyard and 40 hectares of bare land just north of Martinborough, at Dakins Road. The latter was planted from scratch in 1999 and 2000, exclusively to Pinot Noir.
Schubert’s philosophy is to craft wines of uncompromising quality that stand out alongside the finest in the world. 14 hectares of vines are closely planted in the traditional, European style and the unique climate found in this small corner of New Zealand’s North Island produces naturally low yields and, thus, intensely flavoured wines. As a result, Schubert Estate was quick to capture the attention of connoisseurs and critics alike for its alluring, internationally award winning wines of outstanding character, complexity, balance and grace. 90% of the production is exported to 36 countries.
Block B is a selection of Dijon Pinot Noir clones, specifically clones 115, 667, 777, 114 and 113. Hand-picked with careful selection of grapes. 100% de-stemmed, cold-macerated and fermented in stainless steel vats on “skins” for 3 weeks. Aged in 45% new and 55% older French oak barriques for 18 months. A big, fleshy and exotic Pinot Noir with underlying Old World character. Fruit aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherries and plums unfold from the glass, combined with hints of dried herbs. Marvellously complex and seductive with a beautiful, smooth texture but firm structure with very ripe fruit, minerals, subtle leafiness and rosewood. Drink now or hold a decade plus.
