Burn Cottage 2018 Release-Courtney Tate (Wine Envy Buyer)
What happens when two winemakers with years of experience around the worlds most coveted Pinot Noir parcels focus their efforts on Lowburn, Central Otago? Pure, ecstasy.
New Zealand is a maritime nation. There is however, a region in the heart of the South Island that is cut off from the South Pacific’s influence and rebuts with an arid, continental climate. Gold hills, snow capped mountains and piercingly blue water provide the colour palate for Central Otago, home of arguably New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noirs.
Dianne and Marquis Sauvage already had many connections in the wine industry when they came across what is now the Burn Cottage vineyard. This site in Lowburn was more familiar with sheep than vines, a fact that has almost been reversed today. Feeling the many eyes upon this idyllic, amphitheatre site, they teamed up with Ted Lemon (of Californian Littorai fame) and jumped on the opportunity to purchase the site in 2002.
Nestled at the foothills of the distinctive Pisa Range, lies the now 24 hectare Burn Cottage vineyard. The site alone is a viticulturalist and winemakers dream, add in the talent of the Burn Cottage team and you’ve got yourself a serious star.
Winemaker Claire Mulhollland is a proper Central Otago local, with past roles at Rippon, Chard Farm and Gibbston Valley. She has also done the Pinot Noir golden mile through Oregon, Australia and Burgundy (at Domain Dujac). Adding even more talent to the winemaking team is founder/consultant Ted Lemon. Representing Littorai alone would be enough however he has had roles at Domain Dujac, Roumier, De Villaine and Bruno Claire to name a few.
Burn Cottage is farmed entirely in accordance to Biodynamic principles. Utmost care and respect for their vineyard is shown at every step of the vine growing and winemaking process. The proof is in the wines, which share serious vivacity and x factor.
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