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Wine Description
The Story
The Aylward label is used to show off what we think was a fantastic summer for fruit and what will be a fantastic wine in years to come.
This vintage has a medium blood red in hue and despite a few years in the bottle displays pronounced sweet ripe raspberry fruit on both the nose and front palate. In addition there are some of that most desirable trait for really good Pinot Noir, a damp forest floor character.
Whilst the nose is attractive the wine almost explodes with flavour on the palate. It is simply bursting with raspberry, cherry and plums as well as some smoky oak and again that autumnal note. There is a slinky smooth velvety texture which elevates the wine to something really special.
There is so much flavour that the structural elements are somewhat hidden however it the aftertaste they are certainly there with plenty of both acid and tannin present to indicate that the wine will improve with further aging but you can enjoy the wine very much right now.
Roast duck or quail with a supporting fruity sauce would be the best match with this fine wine.
Wine Information
Ocean Eight is in the cool Mornington Peninsula, a short drive south of Melbourne. Owned and operated by the Aylward family after their successes with nearby Kooyong Estate, Ocean Eight is focused on Burgundian varieties and influenced by Burgundian techniques.
The Region
Mornington Peninsula is the coolest region on mainland Australia, just south of Melbourne in Victoria and surrounded by ocean on all sides. It has shown great potential for world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The Fruit
Pinot Noir is sourced from the Estate owned and tended vineyard. 18-year- old vines planted on sandy loam, which has excellent drainage. Fruit is cropped to 1 tonnes to the acre to show the power of the site.
The Winemaking
A similar method to the Estate Pinot Noir, with juice going through a cold, slow ferment to maximise aromatics before being gravity fed to underground barrel room where it is stored in old French barrel and 500 litre puncheons. Unfined and unfiltered.
The Juice
Dark blood red in the glass with great brightness and good clarity. Lifted aromatics of plum, anise, black cherry and Asian spice.
Palate filling Pinot with opulence and elegance. Sweet dark cherries are complimented with savoury, earth tones. Super fine tannins wrap around a long, natural acidity. Wonderful length.
