Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Seresin Leah Pinot Noir is sourced from the Raupo Creek Vineyard, located in the Omaka Valley in Marlborough. This vineyard, farmed following organic and biodynamic principles, is known for its clay-rich soils, which contribute to the wine’s texture and depth. The vineyard’s north-west facing slopes enjoy high sunshine hours and minimal rainfall, providing optimal ripening conditions for Pinot Noir.

This vintage was challenging, with significant rainfall before harvest, which increased berry size and disease pressure. However, Seresin’s experienced team worked diligently in the vineyard to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that the Pinot Noir grapes were harvested at the right time to preserve their quality and freshness.

Winemaking

The Seresin Leah Pinot Noir was made from a blend of Seresin’s favorite Pinot Noir clones, including 10/5, 777, 5, Abel, and 6, all grown on the Osip Hill of the Raupo Creek Vineyard. The fruit was hand-picked, destemmed, and fermented in small batches using a combination of wild and selected yeasts.

Fermentation lasted between 3 and 4 weeks, with gentle plunging to ensure a delicate extraction of color and tannins. The wine was then left on skins before being drained, lightly pressed, and transferred to aged French oak barrels for 10 months, with 15% new oak. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation during its maturation, adding richness and texture. After 10 months, the wine was lightly filtered and bottled, unfined.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red.
• Aroma: Aromas of dark berries, black cherry, and hints of earthy spice and forest floor, complemented by subtle floral and herbal notes.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is fleshy yet structured, with flavors of dense dark fruit, including blackberry and plum, integrated with spicy and earthy undertones. The wine has a supple texture and is balanced by a fine, focused acidity.
• Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering notes of dark fruit and a refreshing minerality.

Did You Know?

The Leah Pinot Noir is named after Michael Seresin’s daughter, and the wine reflects the estate’s focus on crafting wines that are true to their origins. The biodynamic farming practices at Seresin Estate not only promote sustainability but also enhance the health of the vines, leading to wines with greater complexity and expressiveness.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roasted duck with cherry sauce: The wine’s dark fruit flavors and subtle spice complement the richness of the duck and the sweetness of the cherry sauce.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy notes in the wine harmonize beautifully with the umami flavors of mushrooms.
• Herb-crusted lamb: The wine’s supple tannins and vibrant acidity pair well with the savory herbs and tender lamb.
• Grilled salmon with a balsamic glaze: The wine’s bright acidity and rich fruit flavors balance the richness of grilled salmon, while the balsamic glaze enhances the wine’s earthy complexity.

History of Seresin Estate

Seresin Estate was founded in 1992 by Michael Seresin, a New Zealand-born cinematographer known for his work in films like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. His vision for Seresin Estate was inspired by his deep connection to nature and a desire to create wines that were in harmony with the environment. From the outset, the estate embraced biodynamic and organic viticulture, pioneering these practices in the Marlborough region.

Seresin’s first vintage was released in 1996, and the estate quickly gained recognition for its elegant, expressive wines. Michael Seresin’s philosophy has always been to work with nature, not against it. The estate is now fully certified organic and follows biodynamic principles, farming without the use of synthetic chemicals and aligning vineyard work with lunar and natural cycles.

Michael Seresin’s passion for sustainability and craftsmanship is evident not only in the vineyards but also in the winemaking process, where minimal intervention allows the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine through.

Region and Vineyards

Seresin Estate is located in Marlborough, the most famous wine region in New Zealand, known for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The estate’s vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley and the Omaka Valley, where a combination of clay and gravel soils provides an ideal environment for grape growing.

Raupo Creek Vineyard in the Omaka Valley is the heart of Seresin Estate. This vineyard is farmed biodynamically and is certified organic. The clay-rich soils here contribute to the texture and depth of Seresin’s wines. The north-west facing slopes of the vineyard ensure high levels of sunshine, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining natural acidity.

Seresin also sources fruit from selected organic vineyards in the Wairau Valley, which add brightness and finesse to the wines. The region’s cool-climate conditions and varied terroir allow Seresin to produce wines that are balanced, complex, and reflective of their place of origin.

Wine Range

Seresin Estate is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but the estate also produces other varietals, each crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to natural winemaking.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Seresin’s Sauvignon Blancs are known for their richness, texture, and complexity, often blended with small amounts of Sémillon to add depth and aging potential. Wines like the Marama Sauvignon Blanc showcase a more nuanced, oak-aged style, while the estate’s classic Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant acidity and tropical fruit.

• Pinot Noir: Seresin produces a range of Pinot Noirs, from the fresh and approachable Leah Pinot Noir to the more structured and complex Sun & Moon Pinot Noir. The estate’s Pinot Noirs are celebrated for their balance of red and dark fruit flavors, fine tannins, and earthy undertones.

• Chardonnay: Seresin’s Chardonnay is an elegant expression of the varietal, with a balance of ripe fruit, minerality, and subtle oak influence. The wine undergoes natural fermentation and extended lees aging for added complexity.

• Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other varietals: Seresin also produces small quantities of aromatic whites, focusing on the purity of fruit and expression of Marlborough’s cool-climate terroir.

Did You Know?

Michael Seresin, in addition to being a successful filmmaker, is a passionate advocate for organic and biodynamic farming. His belief in working harmoniously with nature extends beyond winemaking, as the estate also grows olive oil and vegetables, further reinforcing the estate’s commitment to sustainability and holistic farming.