Hare Hunter Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard | Keyneton | Eden Valley |SA
Grown at approx. 450-480m above sea level, in cool climate conditions. Vines planted in 2012 in the three coolest patches on our vineyard.
Our Pinot Noir journey began in 2012 with the planting of our first Pinot vines, taking advantage of the coolest patches in our vineyard. Pinot Noir is not typically grown in our region, but we just had a feeling it could be something special. We set out with a vision to deliver a beautiful and elegant expression of Eden Valley Pinot Noir, and believe this is exactly what we have achieved. A portion of our Pinot vines are planted at the highest point on our vineyard, sitting at approximately 480m above sea level, with the remaining planted in the two coolest spots in slightly lower parts of our vineyard, at an altitude of around 450m (Central Otago is around 300m).
Hare hunting has been a much enjoyed pastime for our (now-adult) grandsons. Despite their best efforts over the years, as young lads they never had much luck nabbing any hares in our Pinot patch, which is how this wine earned its name.
Near perfect growing conditions in Eden Valley favoured our Pinot Noir Vines in 2019, allowing even ripening for excellent structure in our finished wine. Our 2019 Hare Hunter has all the ‘pinosity’ you could ever ask for, from bright red berry aromatics, with subtle oak and earthy undertones, to ripe raspberry, cranberry, red cherry flavours and white pepper infused fine grain tannin grip, all served up in elegant linear restraint.
Winemaker: Shawn Kalleske
Gold | 2022 London Wine Competition – “Fragrant, delicate character with crisp acidity, soft tannins and aromas of strawberries, cinnamon, flowers and blackberries. Intense palate with notes of jammy red berries, vanilla and cloves and a refined finish.”
96 points | Drinks Trade Magazine – “A little basket of forest berries. It stays savoury, which is a draw card. Oak is there but mucking in rather than standing out, complex and satisfying.”
93 points | Wine Orbit – Sam Kim – “It’s richly spicy and savoury on the nose showing dark berry, dried herb, cured meat, dried mushroom and warm spice aromas, leading to a gorgeously rounded palate offering excellent weight and silky flow. Generously textured and soothing with a persistent expansive finish. At its best: now to 2029.”
92 points | National Liquor News – “Lovely confectionary nose with strawberry and rhubarb. Nutmeg and a delightful palate with soft edges.”
Bronze Medal | 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards – “Whole bunch characters-stemmy, earthy, cranberry and herb flavours. Lovely freshness and good value.”
History of Achievement
2019 | Gold – 2022 London Wine Competition
2019 | 96 Points – Drinks Trade Magazine, August 2022
2019 | 93 Points – Wine Orbit, Sam Kim, June 2023
2019 | 92 Points – National Drinks Magazine, June 2022
2019 | Bronze – 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards | Whole bunch characters-stemmy, earthy, cranberry and herb flavours. Lovely freshness and good value.”
2019 | Finalist | New to Market Treat Yourself Reds | 2023 Peoples Choice Wine Awards UK
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2018 | Silver – 2021 Melbourne International Wine Competition
2018 | 91 Points – National Liquor News
2018 | 90 Points – Winepilot – Ken Gargett
2018 | Bronze – 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition
2018 | Bronze – 2020 New Zealand International Wine Show
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2017 | Gold – 2019 Melbourne International Wine Competition
2017 | Silver – 2020 London Wine Competition
2017 | Silver – 2019 New Zealand International Wine Show
2017 | Silver – 2018 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
2017 | Silver – 2018 San Francisco International Wine Show