Millton La Cote Pinot Noir 2021

The Millton Vineyards is New Zealand's first organic and biodynamic wine estate, established by James and Annie Millton in 1984 on the banks of the Te Arai River near Manutuke. The region is situated on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand in the wine appellation of Gisborne. Annie's father, Mr John Clark, had developed vineyards on his estate at 'Opou' in Manutuke during the late 1960s. James and Annie returned to Gisborne after gaining experience in famous wine regions of France and Germany, including Champagne Bollinger, Maison Sichel in Bordeaux and Weingut Kurstner in Rheinhessen. By 1983, they had extensively researched and replanted major parts of the family's grape growing business before establishing The Millton Vineyard in 1984.Millton's earliest releases were of high quality, winning numerous trophies and gold medals for the traditionally styled Riesling and Chenin Blanc. The 1992 Gisborne Chardonnay won gold medals at the International Wine Challenge in London and the International Organic Wine Challenge Fair, while two other Millton wines entered came second and third. The Riesling and Chenin Blanc won gold medals at the 2004 San Francisco Wine Fair and the Chenin Blanc also won the trophy, gaining inclusion in Neil Beckett's "1001 wines to drink before you die." Today, Millton's Gisborne wines consistently appear in fine dining rooms worldwide and continue to receive numerous national and international accolades. Millton Vineyards & Winery are exclusive members of the international group "La Renaissance des Appellations" and New Zealand collaboration "The Family of Twelve." The Millton Vineyards is a testament to the Millton's philosophy of organic and biodynamic farming, producing boutique wines that are highly regarded in the wine industry.

The Millton Vineyards is renowned for its gentle and precise winemaking process, preferring time to fine the wines rather than relying on technology. Indigenous yeasts and bacteria are used for fermentation, which takes place in stainless steel or larger format oak barrels, all housed in a thermally clad building. Sulphur dioxide is used to allow the wine to travel and age, but the levels are kept to a minimum. The properties are certified organic and biodynamic, confirmed with the trademarks Bio-Gro and Demeter. The Millton Vineyard's three individual Gisborne vineyards, Opou, Te Arai and the Clos de Ste. Anne, are located in Manutuke. The unique character of the appellation is its proximity to the influence of the Pacific Ocean together with the geologically youthful sedimentary soils. Cooling sea breezes keep the climate friendly and temperate in high summer. Traditional viticulture is practiced in all vineyards and all are dry-farmed, with no insecticide, herbicide, systemic fungicide or soluble fertilizers used. The Millton Vineyards' commitment to organic and biodynamic farming is evident in every aspect of their winemaking process, resulting in boutique wines that are highly regarded in the wine industry.

The Millton Vineyards & Winery produces a signature range of wines that are truly wines of distinction. These single vineyard varietal specific wines are the product of almost four decades of blood, sweat and tears. Expressive of terroir traditional viticultural and vinification methods, the wines bear the family name and the name of the vineyard to which they belong. The range includes Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Rose each with its unique character and flavour profile. The Millton Vineyards & Winery's commitment to organic and biodynamic farming is evident in every bottle, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide. 

Millton La Cote Pinot Noir 2021 showcase a wine that pays homage to the famed Pinot Noir of the Cote d'or in Burgundy. The wine is zesty and bright fruited, with a nose that is alive with notes of dark cherry, juniper berry and a hint of fennel. The back part of the palate turns savory and earthy, with fine tannins that sweep into clean things up. This medium-bodied, dry wine has medium acidity, some fruitiness, medium tannins, medium alcohol and no oak. Produced using biodynamic methods, this Pinot Noir is versatile and food-friendly, making it an excellent pairing for a wide range of dishes. This wine is perfect for cellaring for 3-5 years.

A pretty nose of green strawberries, white pepper, grated nutmeg and freshly cut grass. Medium-bodied with a silky texture. Bright and fresh with savoury, spicy undertones. Well-defined and lingering. A delight. Drink or hold. - James Suckling, 94 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - New Zealand
Region - Gisborne
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Other - Biodynamic, Vegan