CLOS HENRI PETIT CLOS PINOT NOIR 2018

The Clos Henri Vineyard near Renwick is owned by Henri Bourgeois, a leading, family-owned producer in the Loire Valley, which feels this wine expresses ‘a unique terroir and a French winemaking approach’.

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"Pinot Noir grapes from our youngest blocks deliver vibrant, youthful wine that are fruit driven and lively yet elegant with supple tannins and lovely balance. Petit Clos Pinot Noir tells the promising potential of our terroir and is the open door that teases you to go on to discover our estate wines.

This wine was fermented in stainless steel open tops and then aged in large (7,500 l) French oak vats for 11 months. Ageing in large oak vats, instead of smaller barrels, gives the wine great balance with subtle oak which enriches structure while retaining aromatic intensity.

Youthful and fresh aromas of wild strawberries and bright red fruits evolves with subtle layers of spice and liquorice. At first dominated by plum and cherry, the textural palate develops spice and toasted wood tones. Svelte tannins and juicy acidity carry this wine on to a gentle, peppery finish."

91/100 Wine Spectator (2018 Vintage)
"Light and fresh, featuring wild strawberry and raspberry flavours, accented by supple tannins. Details of forest floor, spice, clove and white pepper add intrigue and aromatics through the long finish, with gripping tannins. Drink now."

90/100 Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast, September 2019 (2018 Vintage)
"Perhaps the quietest expression to date of this wine, some swirling in glass brings forth delicate aromas like rose petals, strawberries, cherries, white spice, wild herbs and a warm earth character. The palate is elegant and textured, with tangy fruit and tannins that feel a little on the astringent side. As usual, the Petit Clos range of wines offers stellar value from a top biodynamic Marlborough producer."

Reviews for the 2017 vintage below…

4 Stars Michael Cooper (2017 Vintage)
"Certified organic, the 2017 vintage is based on Clos Henri's youngest vines. Estate-grown and hand-harvested in the Wairau Valley, it was matured in large (7500-litre) French oak vats. Ruby-hued, it is an elegant red, mouthfilling and supple, with ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and velvety tannins. Best drinking 2020+."