Moonlight Race Pinot Noir
Burn Cottage
2015
Otago
New Zealand
Burn Cottage Vineyard is a natural northeast-facing amphitheatre at the south end of the Pisa Range in the Cromwell Basin. The site is to the west of Lake Dunstan, and just south of the 45th Parallel. Elevation 240-310 metres. The soils are derivatives of broken down schist and granite, old river beds and outwash of ancient glaciers. They’re classified as free draining sandy loams, with the steeper slopes having more rock and gravel, and lower elevations slightly heavier soils. Vine age 10-12 years. The vineyard and property are managed utilising biodynamic principles.
Northburn Vineyard is located in the Cromwell Basin on the east bank of Lake Dunstan. Gently sloping northwest to southeast. Elevation 200 -257 metres. Soils are a mix of glacial fans and washes previously used for alluvial gold: stony loams, river stones, clays and schist. Vine age 13-17 years. The site is managed according to organic principles.
Mark II Vineyard is located in the foothills of the Pisa range north of Lowburn, around 12km from Cromwell. It is set on north- and east-facing slopes at elevations of 250-350 metres. The blocks are differentiated by soil and aspect. They originate from tertiary glacial deposits: fine clays, schist, quartz, manganite and free-draining gravel loams. Vine age 15 years. Sustainably farmed.
This is a blend of fruit from three vineyards. Some 35% came from from both the Burn Cottage and Northburn vineyards, and the remaining 30% was sourced from the Mark II site. The fruit, of which 22% went in as whole clusters, spent an average of 19 days in the fermenter, followed by maturation in French oak (25% new) from Mercurey and Damy cooperages.
PRESS AND REVIEWS
October, 2017
Bob Campbell MW, Gourmet Traveller WINE
96 points
A near equal blend from three vineyards including the Burn Cottage vineyard. More sweet fruit and sappy tannin influence than the Burn Cottage label. Subtle and beguiling berry, oak and floral flavours. Fine tannins allow access now, but promise cellaring potential.
November, 2017
Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com
93 points
This regional blend of a suite of parcels has an attractive red and dark cherry fruit core, with well-placed spicy oak, pleasingly grainy youthful tannins and a long fresh finish that is accented by concentrated cherry fruit flavors. Drink now.
Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review.
96 points
First released in the 2014 vintage Moonlight Race is a blend of grapes from Burn Cottage Vineyard (35%), Northburn Vineyard (35%) and Mark II vineyard, with a mix of clones in each. 22.5% whole cluster. Similar in style to the regular Burn Cottage label but with more sweet fruit and a sappy influence adding complexity to berry, oak and floral flavours. A subtle and beguiling wine with finely pitched structure that allows access now while assuring a promising future.
October, 2016
Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
94 points
Wonderful perfume. Smells cherry-like, savoury, faint dusty spice, touch of clove, earthiness, undergrowth. Really a whole lot going on. Texture is firm, tight, subtle and cool in fruit flavours, long. Long. It’s elegant yet shows off savouriness, tannins are shapely and succulent. It’s restrained, needs time, but offers so much for serious pinot lovers. Yep.
Cameron Douglas MS
94 points
Fragrant and distinctive bouquet with a mix of floral, earth and fruit messages, noticeable but not overdone oak, fine toasty layer with some kitchen spice attributes on the palate - dry, spicy, floral, fruity, mineral, dry, moderate tannins and plenty of acidity, lengthy and individualistic expression and finish. A lovely wine that can be cellared if desired; best drinking 2018 through 2024.