Seresin Rachel Pinot Noir 2016

Region and Vineyards

Marlborough is New Zealand’s most celebrated wine region, known for its high sunshine hours, cool nights, and maritime influence, which provide an ideal setting for growing expressive and structured Pinot Noir. Located in the Omaka Valley, the Raupo Creek vineyard benefits from a gentle north-west exposure, ensuring optimal ripening conditions.

This vineyard is biodynamically farmed, with clay-rich soils that contribute to concentration and depth in the wine. Despite a challenging early season marked by wet conditions, an even flowering and dry harvest period resulted in smaller berries and naturally low yields, enhancing flavor intensity. The meticulous work of the vineyard team ensured the fruit’s purity and balance, capturing the terroir’s energy and vibrancy.

Winemaking

Seresin Rachel Pinot Noir is crafted from a blend of select Pinot Noir clones (10/5, Abel, 777, 115, and 6), each adding layers of complexity. The grapes were hand-picked, destemmed, and fermented using wild yeast in small batches to express the vineyard’s character fully.

The wine underwent 3-4 weeks of skin contact, with gentle plunging during fermentation to extract delicate tannins. It was then lightly pressed and transferred to French oak barrels (35% new) for 10 months of aging, undergoing natural malolactic fermentation. Bottling was carried out with minimal filtration and no fining, preserving the wine’s purity and texture.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: An alluring bouquet of dark cherry and ripe plum, interwoven with earthy, forest floor nuances and hints of baking spice.
• Palate: Silky yet structured, featuring luscious red and black fruit, balanced acidity, and fine-grained tannins. Subtle oak influence adds layers of smoky spice and cocoa, leading to a long, elegant finish.

Did you know?

Seresin Estate is a pioneer of biodynamic and organic viticulture in New Zealand, emphasizing handcrafted, minimal-intervention winemaking. The estate was founded by Michael Seresin, a renowned cinematographer whose work includes Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This commitment to both art and nature is reflected in the wines, which are deeply expressive of their terroir and crafted with meticulous care.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Coq au vin – The wine’s silky tannins and red fruit notes beautifully enhance the slow-braised flavors of this classic French dish.
• Duck breast with cherry sauce – The wine’s natural acidity and dark fruit tones complement the richness of the duck and the tartness of the sauce.
• Mushroom and truffle risotto – The wine’s earthy undertones harmonize with the umami depth of mushrooms and truffles.
• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic – The structure and fine tannins of the Pinot Noir balance the juicy flavors of roasted lamb.

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.