Hans Herzog Estate - Marlborough Pinot Noir Grand Duc

Pinot Noir "Grand Duc" 2019

Regular price $89.00 Sale

From time to time when the stars align, we can not only create a gorgeous Pinot Noir but a ‘Grand Duc’. A vineyard selection of the best blocks/rows from a particular soil type of a particular vintage picked at the tiniest yield. Hans wants you to enjoy this truly handcrafted Pinot Noir at its full potential and like with a ‘Grand Cru’ Burgundy this means a few years of barrel and bottle ageing.

Vintage 2019+

From time to time the stars align in a perfect warm, long growing season for a ‘Grand Duc’ to be born. After much meticulous vineyard work, we handpicked grapes of incredible purity with seductive aromas from a tiny yield of 400g/vine at full ripeness from the 23 year old vines.

Hans' Winemaking Comments+

'Crafting pure authentic wines with minimal intervention requires perfectly healthy grapes achieved only through arduous vineyard work. Lucious grapes have been gently destemmed and left to cold soak for a long and soft extraction of the fine flavours and colour. No cultured yeast, additions and enhancements, just a long, cool wild fermentation with no residual sugar left, for a true expression of the this noble grape variety and its amazing terroir. After 24 days on the skins, the young wine was gently pressed into French barriques (40% new) where it further matured for 18 month. Thanks to the high quality of grapes the wine was bottled in our winery unfined (vegan) and unfiltered to retain the integrity of this regal Pinot Noir.'

Tasting Notes+

With less than the yield for a Grand Cru, this succulent, richly textured Pinot boasts alluring aromas of cherry and raspberry complemented by subtle hints of violet, dried herbs and warm spices. A velvety texture coats the palate, balanced by a refreshing acidity, fine tannins and intriguing minerality. In the style of Burgundy’s greatest varietal: refined elegance, defined by a long and graceful finish, leaving a lingering impression of bright fruit. A truly exquisite expression of a Pinot Noir unveiling the finest qualities of this varietal and a testament to the dedication and skills of its Vigneron. A wonderful addition to a Burgundy lover’s cellar. 

Technical Data+
Variety 100% Pinot Noir
Clones Pommard UDC6, Dijon 667, 777; Swiss 10/5
Rootstock 3309 / SO4 / Riparia Gloire
Vine Planted 1996
Soil

Shallow (<45cm) well drained sandy and gravelly soil with clay-sand    patches from stony alluvium

Planting Density 5,550 vines/ha
Yield 1t/ha
Alcohol 14%
Residual Sugar <1g/L
Ageing Potential 20 years
Bottles Produced 1,394
Food Matching Suggestions+

Our dry and elegant wines are famous for being the Sommeliers choice due to their ability to easily match many different dishes. Try with poultry, pasta dishes and casseroles, to name a few.

Industry Reviews+

James Suckling - 93 points (2019)

'Aromas of ripe strawberries with some chocolate and plums that follow through to a medium body with finely polished tannins and a subtle fruity finish. Delicate. Citrusy at the end.'

The Real Review- 94 points (2019)

"Medium ruby with the faintest trace of purple; the bouquet is starting to show some development and has dried herbs and dried mushroom amid the dark-cherry fruit. It tastes very intense and lively, with excellent concentration of flavour and long persistence, the sustained flavour coupled with abundant and well-tailored tannins. Impressive wine, the slight bitter-herb aftertaste adding a cleansing factor that leaves you refreshed and ready for more. (Herzog means 'grand duke') " Huon Hooke

James Suckling - 97 points (2015)

'The tannins are so polished and creamy, yet it’s firm at the same time, like cut velvet. It’s full-bodied with juicy plums and strawberries. Flavorful and savory. Hints of meat and bark. Mushroom, too. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.'

The Real Review- 95 points (2015)

"Hand-picked grapes from very low-yielding vines and an exceptional vintage were fermented and matured for 22 months in barrel. A flagship wine with weight, concentration and richness. Plum, cranberry, spicy oak, mixed spice, dried herbs and subtle floral flavours. A complex wine that's accessible now but no rush." Bob Campbell