The Zumma 2010 Pinot Noir (single vineyard)

The Name

Originally stemming from a baby nickname for Garry and Margaret's daughter Zoe, The Zumma name was adopted by the family's 27 acre farm (now vineyard) when purchased in 1981. With such long held sentimentality it was the obvious name choice for the limited bottling of the wine produced from the same property's oldest Pinot Noir vines. 

Vineyard

Grapes for this wine (as always) were sourced from a small portion of our original 'home' vineyard proudly planted and tended to by the Crittenden family since 1982. Located on the lower, northern foothills of the Mornington Peninsula's Red Hill the site takes good advantage of the well draining loam soils and the cooling affects of Port Phillip bay 5km West. The Zumma block was originally planted in 1987 with the highly aromatic D5V12 clone with every second vine being subsequently grafted in 1993 to the rich and concentrated MV6 clone. All this, combined with our biological viticultural practices, results in a unique, multi clonal vineyard planting providing grapes of both quality and diversity - a complete foundation for a truly great wine. 

Winemaking

The grapes were hand harvested and immediately destemmed to small open fermenters without pumping or crushing, after which the fermenters were placed in a cold room at 4 degrees Celcius for 24 hours. A protective CO2 cover was maintained and the must was "cold soaked" for five days prior to ferment to enhance aromatics, tannin structure and colour. Once the fermenters had warmed to ambient temperatures the fermentation process was allowed to commence with wild yeast. Each fermenter was hand plunged three times per day during the peak of the ferment while temperatures were limited to 32 degrees Celcius to help retain aromatics.

Once pressed, the resulting wines were allowed to settle in tank briefly before being racked to a combination of new and recently used tight grain, medium toast French Barriques from the Troncais region. After natural malolactic fermentation and 15 months barrel age each of the individual clonal batches were blended in tank before a final racking and bottling without finish or filtration. The Zumma Pinot has been aged in bottle for eight months prior to release.

Technical information

Alc. Vol. 13.5%

Ph: 3.58

Total acidity: 6.17gms/litre

Tasting Notes

Inspiration for this wine has been drawn from the great wines of Burgundy, many of which show a level of elegance and restraint that is seldom seen in new world Pinot Noir. Accordingly, The Zumma Pinot has an alcohol level at the lower end of the usual spectrum and the colour is perhaps lighter than may be expected, however, it does possess a depth of flavour and a finesse that belies its New World Origins. Cherries, berry fruits and characters of fresh spice are abundant on the nose, while fine silky tannins, restrained oak and taut acidity provide the palate with great length and balance. We feel that this wine possesses a quality that truly reflects our long term dedication both in the vineyard and the winery and will certainly reward those who are patient.  

Cellaring

5-7 years. If possible decant prior to pouring.