Burn Cottage Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Burn Cottage Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

 

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Burn Cottage
Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Central Otago
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is a captivating single-vineyard wine, expressing Bannockburn’s rugged beauty through its layered aromatics, elegant structure, and vibrant energy.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 97 2021
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Sourced exclusively from the Sauvage Vineyard in Bannockburn, Central Otago, this site is located on the north-east side of Felton Road, a subregion celebrated for its world-class Pinot Noir. Planted in 1999, the vineyard spans 5.8 hectares and features five clones of Pinot Noir (115, 777, 667, 6, and 5) on diverse rootstocks.

The soils, part of the Bannockburn series, are deep silt loams with quartz sands, schist, and gravel, offering excellent drainage and promoting concentrated flavors. The vineyard, transitioning to biodynamic practices, benefits from the region’s high diurnal temperature range and long, dry growing season, creating conditions ideal for ripening Pinot Noir.

Winemaking

The winemaking approach reflects Burn Cottage’s low-intervention philosophy, emphasizing purity and terroir expression. The grapes were harvested from March 25 to April 9, 2021, with an average Brix of 23.8. 7% whole clusters were included in the fermentation, which lasted 17 days, followed by gentle punchdowns to extract color and tannins.

The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months, with 18% new oak from Damy, Mercurey, and Sylvain cooperages. Bottled without filtration, the resulting wine showcases a fine balance between fruit, structure, and elegance.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby red with a bright, translucent core.
  • Aroma: Inviting notes of wild thyme, floral violets, savory spices, and wet stones layered with rich dark fruit like black cherry and plum.
  • Palate: Supple and vibrant, with layers of dark fruit, pepper, and earthy undertones. A fine tannin structure underpins the wine, offering focus, length, and excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

The Sauvage Vineyard is named after Marquis Sauvage, the estate's founder, and reflects the untamed beauty of Bannockburn. The hills around the vineyard were once rich in gold but are now cloaked in wild thyme and rosehip, adding aromatic complexity to the wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Duck breast with red currant glaze: The wine’s dark fruit and savory notes complement the richness of the duck and the tartness of the sauce.
  • Herb-crusted lamb chops: Its fine tannins and earthy tones balance the herbaceous and meaty flavors.
  • Mushroom and truffle risotto: The wine’s layered complexity aligns perfectly with the umami-rich flavors of the dish.
  • Aged cheddar or Gruyère: The wine’s vibrant acidity and dark fruit enhance the creamy and nutty character of these cheeses.

History of Burn Cottage Estate

Founded in 2002, Burn Cottage quickly gained a reputation for excellence in the world of wine. The estate was established by Americans Marquis and Dianne Sauvage, who were captivated by the potential of Central Otago to produce world-class wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Marquis Sauvage was inspired to create a vineyard that would work harmoniously with the environment, adopting biodynamic practices from the beginning.

Ted Lemon, a renowned winemaker with experience in Burgundy and California, was brought in as a consultant to guide Burn Cottage’s winemaking philosophy. His expertise helped shape the estate’s vision of producing wines that reflect the vineyard’s unique terroir, using minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery.

Since its first vintage in 2009, Burn Cottage has become known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and has earned accolades for its commitment to sustainability and its ability to craft wines that are true to the vineyard's natural environment.

Region and Vineyards

Burn Cottage is located in the Lowburn sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand’s southernmost wine-growing area and one of the best regions in the world for cool-climate Pinot Noir. Central Otago’s continental climate, with its hot summers, cool nights, and long growing season, is ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The region’s soils are composed of schist, clay, and gravel, which contribute to the distinct minerality and depth of Burn Cottage’s wines.

The Burn Cottage Vineyard covers 24 hectares, with plantings of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. The vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, which means that the farming practices are guided by the lunar calendar and focus on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of the vineyard ecosystem.

The estate’s Pinot Noir vines are planted at a high density, which encourages competition between the vines, resulting in lower yields but more concentrated and complex fruit. The use of cover crops and natural composts also enhances the vitality of the vineyard, ensuring that the wines truly reflect the terroir of Central Otago.

Wine Range

Burn Cottage focuses on producing Pinot Noir but also crafts limited amounts of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The winery’s approach is based on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and vineyard to shine through in the wines.

  • Burn Cottage Pinot Noir: The estate’s flagship wine, this Pinot Noir showcases the vibrant red fruit, spice, and earthy complexity that Central Otago is known for, with a refined structure and long aging potential.
  • Moonlight Race Pinot Noir: A blend from three different vineyard sites in Central Otago, including Burn Cottage, Sauvage Vineyard, and Luna Vineyard, offering a more accessible expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir with vibrant fruit and layered complexity.
  • Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir: A single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the estate's Sauvage Vineyard, this wine highlights the depth, power, and elegance of the vineyard’s terroir.
  • Riesling & Grüner Veltliner: Limited-production wines that are made with the same focus on purity and expression as the estate’s Pinot Noir.

Did You Know?

Burn Cottage was one of the first vineyards in Central Otago to adopt biodynamic farming practices from the outset. The estate’s commitment to sustainability and biodynamic viticulture has earned it certifications and recognition in the global wine community. Additionally, Burn Cottage's philosophy is rooted in a belief that farming in harmony with the land not only benefits the environment but also leads to more expressive and distinctive wines.

Robert Parker (RP) : 97 Points (2021)
The 2021 Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir is supremely pretty. It's elegant and fine and still powerful, thanks to the Bannockburn area; however, the wine itself shows rose petals and spring flowers, graphite and pencil lead, white pepper and tapenade. Svelte and sleek, this is composed and detailed and so, so good. I am (mostly) resisting hyperbole and adverbs here. This is a standout wine from a superstar producer—an asset for the region and indeed the country (and the New World in general). 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2020
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2020
Burn Cottage
Pinot Noir 2020
WS
96
RP
95
JS
94
The Burn Cottage Pinot Noir is an elegant and perfumed Pinot Noir from Central Otago, showcasing the region’s vibrant fruit, floral notes, and mineral complexity.
67,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2021
Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2021
Burn Cottage
Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2021
RP
93
JS
95
WS
96
Combining fruit from Burn Cottage, Sauvage, and Luna Vineyards, this Pinot Noir showcases a seamless integration of fruit, texture, and earthy undertones, offering both immediate drinkability and the potential for aging.
49,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Burn Cottage Riesling - Gruner Veltliner 2020
Burn Cottage Riesling - Gruner Veltliner 2020
Burn Cottage
Riesling - Gruner Veltliner 2020
RP
91
The Burn Cottage Riesling - Grüner Veltliner is a co-fermented blend that beautifully combines the aromatic intensity of Riesling with the textured richness of Grüner Veltliner, offering a wine that is both fresh and complex.
52,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Burn Cottage Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
Burn Cottage Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
Burn Cottage
Sauvage Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
JS
96
RP
94
BC
95
Produced from vines over 20 years old, this Pinot Noir showcases the rich character of the Sauvage Vineyard, with a blend of vibrant red fruits, savory undertones, and a textured palate.
67,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022
Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022
Burn Cottage
Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022
RP
94
JS
96
The Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022 is a vibrant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from the heart of Central Otago, showcasing the region’s hallmark finesse and complexity.
49,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2021
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2021
Burn Cottage
Pinot Noir 2021
WS
95
RP
96
JS
94
With its perfumed bouquet, refined tannins, and mineral backbone, Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2021 is a quintessential representation of New Zealand Pinot Noir excellence.
67,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
67,50 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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