Neudorf Tom's Block Moutere Pinot Noir 2019

Region and Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards is located in the Moutere Hills in the Nelson region on New Zealand's South Island. Nelson is renowned for its sunny yet cool maritime climate, which is ideal for the cultivation of Pinot Noir. With long sunshine hours tempered by sea breezes, Nelson’s climate ensures a slow, even ripening process, preserving acidity and enhancing the intensity of the fruit.

The Moutere clay soils are rich in gravels, providing excellent drainage while maintaining essential moisture, a perfect balance for high-quality vine growing. These soils contribute to the elegance and complexity of the wines, giving them both structure and minerality. The vines in Tom’s Block benefit from the well-draining hillside vineyards, which naturally reduce yields, resulting in intense and concentrated fruit.

Winemaking

Neudorf Vineyards focuses on minimal-intervention winemaking, allowing the characteristics of the terroir to shine. The Pinot Noir is harvested by hand, ensuring only the finest fruit is selected. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts, and the wine undergoes a gentle maceration to extract flavor and tannins.

Tom's Block Pinot Noir is aged in French oak barrels for about 10 to 12 months, with a mix of new and seasoned oak, ensuring that the delicate Pinot Noir fruit is not overwhelmed by oak influence. This aging process enhances the wine’s texture and complexity, creating a balance between the fruit’s vibrancy and the subtle oak notes.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a garnet rim.
• Aroma: A fragrant bouquet of cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberries, interwoven with hints of earth, forest floor, and subtle oak spices.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine reveals bright red fruit flavors such as cranberry and cherry, supported by fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. There are earthy notes of sous-bois and a touch of spice from the oak, leading to a long, elegant finish with excellent balance.

Did You Know?

The name "Tom's Block" honors Tom Finn, the son of Neudorf founders Tim and Judy Finn. Neudorf is recognized for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, with a focus on organic practices and minimal intervention in the winemaking process. This dedication to sustainability has helped establish Neudorf as one of New Zealand’s most respected boutique wineries.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck confit with cherry sauce: The acidity and fruit-driven character of the Pinot Noir complement the richness of the duck, while the cherry sauce echoes the wine’s fruit notes.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy notes in the wine harmonize beautifully with the umami flavors of the mushrooms, making for a balanced pairing.
• Roasted lamb with rosemary: The herbal qualities of the lamb bring out the subtle savory elements of the wine, while the Pinot’s acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Grilled salmon with a herb crust: The bright acidity and red fruit flavors of the Pinot Noir work well with the richness of the salmon and the fresh herbs in the crust.

History of Neudorf Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards was founded by Tim and Judy Finn in the late 1970s, during a time when the New Zealand wine industry was still in its infancy. The couple, driven by a passion for wine and a pioneering spirit, planted their first vines in Moutere Hills, Nelson, a region they believed had the potential to produce world-class wines. Over the years, Neudorf has grown from a small, family-run operation into a globally respected winery, with a focus on sustainable, organic viticulture and a commitment to low-intervention winemaking.

Judy Finn has been a key force in building the winery's reputation, particularly with her strong stance on sustainability and organic practices. The estate is now a beacon for environmentally conscious winegrowing, aiming to produce wines that are true expressions of the land. Neudorf’s philosophy revolves around minimal manipulation in the vineyard and winery, allowing the unique characteristics of the Moutere soils to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards is situated in the Moutere Hills within the Nelson region, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Nelson enjoys a maritime climate, characterized by long sunshine hours, warm days, and cool nights, ideal for slow-ripening grapes. This ensures the wines retain vibrant acidity and a fresh fruit character, essential for producing elegant and balanced wines.

The Moutere clay-gravel soils are a key feature of Neudorf’s vineyards. These well-draining soils, rich in minerals, provide excellent conditions for the vines, encouraging deep root growth and producing grapes with intense concentration and complexity. The region’s unique terroir, combined with low-yielding vines, results in wines with a distinct sense of place.

Wine Range

Neudorf Vineyards is internationally celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which consistently receive high acclaim.

• Moutere Pinot Noir is the flagship red, known for its silky texture, complex layers of red fruit, and hints of earth and spice. This wine is crafted with minimal intervention and has excellent aging potential.

• Tom’s Block Pinot Noir offers a more approachable, fruit-forward style while still retaining the elegance and structure of Neudorf’s signature Pinot Noir.

• Moutere Chardonnay is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest, showcasing a rich yet precise minerality, with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and well-integrated French oak. It has a long aging potential.

• Rosie’s Block Chardonnay presents a more fruit-driven style, with vibrant, fresh characteristics, perfect for earlier drinking.

Neudorf also excels with aromatic whites:

• Moutere Riesling is celebrated for its crystalline purity and zesty citrus flavors, underpinned by a vibrant acidity and a mineral core that reflects the terroir.

• Albariño is a recent addition, delivering tropical fruit flavors with a saline minerality, making it perfect for seafood pairings.

• Pinot Gris offers rich notes of pear and apple, balanced by a clean acidity, creating a full-bodied yet refreshing wine.

This diverse range reflects the unique Moutere Hills terroir and Neudorf’s commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.

Did You Know?

The name "Neudorf" is a nod to the early German settlers in the region, whose heritage is still reflected in the names and culture of the area. Neudorf Vineyards is also committed to biodiversity, with large portions of their estate dedicated to native bush regeneration, reflecting their deep commitment to both the environment and their community.