Nutcracker Pinot Noir
Walnut Block’s handcrafted Marlborough Pinot Noir is in a class of its own. Dedication in the vineyard, attention to detail at harvest and traditional winemaking techniques amount to a wine with grace and great character.
Site selection & meticulous work
Chosen for its high-clay-based soil, the vineyard is planted with top-quality Burgundy clones and the vines grown in European-style, high-density planting.
The vines are shoot thinned and fruit thinned down to one bunch per shoot. The extremely low yield ensures even ripening, intense flavours and good tannin structure.
The winemaking process
100% handpicked, the fruit is collected in small bins and chilled overnight at 2°C to preserve the flavours. The cold fruit is de-stemmed and crushed into open-top fermenters, and fermented using only natural yeasts.
The wine is aged for 12 months in high-quality French barriques and bottled unfiltered.
Cellaring potential
Walnut Block wines evolve gracefully over time, Nutcracker Pinot Noir is a perfect example of a wine you can drink now or cellar for the next 6-8 years.
Reviews
5 Star Cellering Potential - NZ Organic Wine Awards 2020 Nutcracker Pinot Noir 5 stars Winestate Magazine, Michael Cooper MW Certified organic, this finely textured red was estate-grown, hand-picked, matured for a year in oak barrels (20% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ruby hued, it is a floral, seductive wine, with cherryish, spicy, nutty flavours, very savoury and supple, and impressive delicacy, complexity and length. 93pts Real Review, Bob Campbell MW Bright, supple pinot noir, with a mix of savoury (brambles, fresh herb and mineral) and fruit (cherry, raspberry and plum). An elegant rather than blockbuster wine supported by tangy acidity and gentle tannins 2019 Nutcracker Pinot Noir 5 star, Winestate Magazine, Michael Cooper MW Certified organic, this delicious red was hand-picked, matured for 20 months in oak barriques (20% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full-coloured, it is full-bodied and generous, with deep, ripe, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent complexity, and supple tannins. Savoury and harmonious, it’s a drink now or cellaring proposition. 93pts Real Review, Bob Campbell MW Dense, flavoursome pinot noir with black Doris plum, dark cherry and berry and mixed spice characters. A robust red with a promising future, although it can certainly be appreciated now. 93pts 2022 Decanter Wine Awards Very attractive floral characters on the nose with overt red fruit aromas. Complex on the palate, showing elegance on the finish. 5 Star Cellering Potential - NZ Organic Wine Awards
Luxury vineyard accommodation
Walnut Block Cottages offer superb 5-star accommodation in a secluded setting among the vines – perfect for travellers seeking a relaxing destination, for wine lovers looking for a taste of the vineyard lifestyle, and for any special occasion.