Yealands Pinot Noir 2020

Winery Background & History:

Yealands Estate, established in 2008 by Peter Yealands, is located in the Awatere Valley of the Marlborough region in New Zealand. Known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Yealands is one of the most environmentally conscious wineries in New Zealand, using renewable energy and sustainable vineyard practices. The estate’s wines reflect the purity and intensity of the Marlborough terroir.

Producer & Wine Maker:

The winemaking team at Yealands is led by Chief Winemaker Natalie Christensen, who has a reputation for crafting expressive and high-quality wines. Yealands Pinot Noir is one of the winery’s standout reds, known for its vibrant fruit and delicate structure.

Vineyard:

The grapes for the Yealands Pinot Noir 2020 come primarily from vineyards in the Awatere Valley, part of the larger Marlborough region. This area benefits from a unique climate that includes cool coastal breezes and a long growing season, allowing the grapes to develop concentrated flavors while maintaining natural acidity. The vineyard is sustainably managed, with a focus on biodiversity and minimizing environmental impact.

The Wine:

Yealands Pinot Noir 2020 is a cool-climate Pinot Noir, showcasing the elegance and finesse typical of the variety, with a particular emphasis on bright fruit flavors and a refined structure.

Vintage:

The 2020 vintage in Marlborough was excellent, with stable weather conditions throughout the growing season. Warm summer days and cool nights allowed for an extended ripening period, which helped the grapes develop concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

ABV %:

The alcohol content of Yealands Pinot Noir 2020 is 13.5%.

Vinification and Aging Method:

The wine was fermented in small batches, with a combination of hand-plunging and gentle pumping over to extract flavor and color. After fermentation, the wine was aged in a mix of stainless steel and French oak barrels for several months to enhance complexity and add subtle spice notes without overpowering the fruit.

Grapes Varietals:

• 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Aromas of ripe red cherries, plum, and raspberry are complemented by subtle hints of earth, spice, and smoky oak.

• Palate: On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and red cherry, balanced by fine tannins and refreshing acidity. There are also underlying notes of herb, clove, and earth, adding complexity and depth to the wine.

• Finish: The finish is long and elegant, with lingering fruit and a touch of spice.

Food and Wine Pairing:

Yealands Pinot Noir 2020 pairs beautifully with:

• Roast duck or pork dishes.

• Grilled salmon or other fatty fish.

• Mushroom-based dishes such as mushroom risotto.

• Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Service Methods:

Serve slightly chilled at around 14-16°C. Decanting is not necessary, but letting the wine breathe for about 15-20 minutes will allow the flavors to fully open up.

Storage and Ageing Potential:

Yealands Pinot Noir 2020 can be enjoyed now, but it also has the potential to age for another 3-5 years. With proper storage in a cool, dark place, it will develop more complexity and soften over time.

Scores:

• Wine Spectator: 91 points

• James Suckling: 90 points

Summary:

Yealands Pinot Noir 2020 is a classic expression of Marlborough Pinot Noir, offering bright red fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and subtle complexity from oak aging. Its vibrant and elegant style makes it versatile for food pairing, and it’s a great choice for those who appreciate cool-climate Pinot Noir with finesse and freshness.