PRIMA DONNA - Principle female singer in opera. Pinot Noir is the Prima Donna of grape varieties, and is by nature temperamental. She will not perform satisfactorily unless she is give the perfect stage, the maximum amount of attention and treated with the uttermost respect. However it is certainly worth indulging her by putting in the work, because in an exceptional vintage for a special vineyard, Pinot Noir is capable of delivering a performance that will have her audience in ecstasy.

A mild spring and a warm early summer provided ideal condition for setting and an adequate but not excessive crop of pinot noir berries on the vines. Warm summer days and a long, lingering autumn resulting in splendid ripening. Crop thinning at veraision resulted in ultimate yield of 1-2 tonnes per acre, ensuring good concentration. The berries were harvested in perfect condition.

After full destemming and partial crushing the must was cold soaked before indigenous yeasts started the fermentation. This was allowed to proceed in the traditional Burgundian manner using small open oak vats and hand plunging of the cap. After gentle extraction from the skins the wine was matured in artisian burgundian barriques for 18 months (of which about 40% were new). It was allowed to clarify naturally, without filtration, prior to bottling.

PRIMA DONNA is a selection of our best Pinot Noir barrels and is only produced in special vintages. We are careful not to select too many barrels so as not to compromise our blue capsule Pegasus Pinot Noir.

The wine has a deep carmine hue. Spicy berry fruit and smokey animal complexities give way to a palate that is muscular yet elegant and intense but harmonious.

N.B. This bottle should be savoured by a maximum of 2 persons.

Wine is a natural health food.