PINOT NOIR
Ashton Hills produces three pinot noirs in a style that reflects the region’s strong similarity to Burgundy. Production levels have stayed true to the boutique nature of the winery’s beginnings.
Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir
Following the maturation period, a few barrels are carefully selected as being the “best of the best”, highlighting the finest expression of pinot noir from the estate and with the potential for significant ageing. The Reserve is the pinnacle of the range showing lifted perfume notes, and a depth of flavour, character and length that should live beyond 10 years in the bottle. While displaying many of the traits associated with the Estate Pinot Noir, the Reserve sees more new oak and tends to carry greater weight and structure, providing the “bones” for extended cellaring. By its nature, quantities are very limited from each vintage.
Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir
The Estate Pinot Noir is sourced purely from our five preferred clones. The pinot fruit is destemmed via a small, customised, gentle destemmer that keeps as many whole berries as possible. The fruit is then basket pressed, and the wine is made without any sulphur additions until bottling. Some whole bunches are included, and the percentage varies according to the style of the vintage. The pinot is then matured in one and two year old barriques prior to bottling. It is designed to be enjoyed upon release, however careful cellaring will see the wine evolve handsomely for at least another five years.
Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir
The Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from premium Piccadilly Valley vineyards, topped up with a parcel of Ashton Hills reserve/estate fruit. The result is typically a medium bodied palate with the influence of Piccadilly Valley providing juicy fruit from the warmer climate, along with fine structured tannins that are typical of the Ashton Hills Vineyard.
