Rippon Pinot Noir Mature Vine 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Rippon Vineyards are located on the western shores of Roy’s Bay at Lake Wanaka in Central Otago, New Zealand, one of the southernmost wine regions in the world. The north-facing escarpment of the vineyard sits on a foundation of schist-based soils, with layers of terminal moraines and coarse gravels. These unique soil types play a critical role in shaping the distinct mineral character of the wines produced here. The site benefits from a continental climate, with significant diurnal temperature shifts that help retain acidity and fresh aromatics in the grapes, while providing ample sunshine to ripen the fruit to perfection.

The Mature Vine Pinot Noir is sourced from fully developed vines, planted predominantly with a selection of Pinot Noir clones, including clones 5 and 6, Abel, 667, and 777, which contribute to the wine's complexity. These vines have been planted at varying densities (3800-5700 vines per hectare), providing a concentration of flavor in the fruit. The grapes are handpicked in small batches to ensure only the highest quality fruit reaches the winery.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage was carefully harvested between the 16th and 30th of April. After handpicking, the grapes were transported in small, 10 kg cases to prevent any damage. The fruit underwent fermentation in small stainless-steel fermenters (2 tonnes), with each parcel vinified separately to capture the diversity of clones, vine ages, and micro-terroirs within the vineyard. The resident yeasts from the vineyard (non-inoculated fermentation) conducted the fermentation, which lasted 9-11 days, with fermentation temperatures ranging from 11 to 30°C.

The wine spent between 14 and 28 days on the skins, depending on the parcel, to develop structure and depth of flavor. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (17% new), followed by an additional 6 months in the same barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in the spring, and the wine was bottled in November 2021 without fining or filtration to preserve its natural complexity and texture.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with youthful violet hues.
• Aroma: The nose offers an intricate bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, complemented by subtle floral notes of violet and hints of dried herbs, earthy undertones, and a touch of minerality.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and silky tannins. Flavors of red fruit, such as cranberry and raspberry, are layered with complex notes of forest floor, sous-bois, and a delicate spice from the well-integrated oak. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with a lingering elegance.

Did you know?

Rippon Vineyards is renowned for its biodynamic farming practices, which emphasize the health of the vineyard's ecosystem and its surrounding environment. The estate is a pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture in New Zealand, further enhancing the purity of the wines they produce.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck confit: The wine’s acidity and bright red fruit flavors complement the richness of the duck, while its earthy undertones enhance the dish’s savory aspects.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The wine’s forest floor notes pair perfectly with the earthy, umami-rich flavors of the mushrooms, while its vibrant acidity cuts through the creaminess of the risotto.
• Grilled lamb chops: The soft tannins and spice of the wine harmonize with the smoky, tender lamb, while the fresh acidity provides balance.
• Beef carpaccio: The wine’s delicate red fruit and mineral qualities highlight the savory, tender texture of the raw beef, with the wine's acidity enhancing the dish’s lightness.

History of Rippon Vineyards Estate

The Rippon Estate was established in the 1970s by Rolfe Mills, a visionary who recognized the potential of Central Otago as a premium wine-growing region. The estate's name, Rippon, comes from Rolfe’s great-grandmother, Emma Rippon, whose family owned land in the area. Initially, the Mills family planted experimental plots to test the suitability of various grape varieties to the region’s challenging climate. It soon became evident that Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer thrived particularly well in the schist-based soils of Rippon’s vineyards.

In the early 1980s, the estate made its first commercial wines, and since then, Rippon has become a benchmark for biodynamic viticulture in New Zealand. Today, the estate is managed by Nick Mills, the son of Rolfe, who returned to New Zealand after training and working in Burgundy. Under Nick’s leadership, Rippon has continued its commitment to sustainable and biodynamic farming, further enhancing the purity and quality of the wines.

Region and Vineyards

Rippon Vineyards is located in Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions, famous for its continental climate and its ability to produce elegant, complex wines. The estate sits on the western shores of Roy’s Bay, with a north-facing aspect that allows the vines to soak up the sun, promoting even ripening while maintaining vibrant acidity.

The soils of Rippon’s vineyards are unique, formed by an ancient ejection cone of schist gravels. This rocky, mineral-rich soil provides excellent drainage and low fertility, forcing the vines to work harder and dig deep for nutrients, which results in wines of great concentration and minerality. The estate’s oldest vines, some dating back to 1982, are ungrafted, allowing them to grow directly into the schist soils, further emphasizing the expression of terroir.

Wine Range

Rippon is best known for its outstanding Pinot Noir, which has garnered international acclaim for its purity, elegance, and ability to age gracefully. The estate produces several expressions of Pinot Noir, including the Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir and the Rippon Tinker’s Field Pinot Noir, a single-vineyard wine from the oldest and most prized vines on the property.

In addition to Pinot Noir, Rippon also produces exceptional Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc, all of which reflect the unique terroir of Lake Wanaka. These wines are characterized by their bright acidity, aromatic complexity, and precise minerality.

Did you know?

Rippon Vineyards has long been a leader in biodynamic farming in New Zealand. The estate has been farmed biodynamically since the 1990s, and it remains one of the few wineries in the country fully committed to these sustainable practices. This holistic approach to viticulture is centered around working in harmony with the land, enhancing the health of the soils, vines, and surrounding environment to produce wines that truly express their place of origin.