The essence of Central Otago Pinot Noir

Central Otago is one of the premier regions in the world for growing Pinot Noir. Within this renowned wine region is the sub region of Bendigo, and it is from here that the latest release Mud House wines originate.

The new Central Otago wines include the 2010 Mud House Estate ‘Golden Terraces Vineyard’ Central Otago Pinot Noir ($36.00) and the 2010 Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir ($29.00).

The 2010 Mud House Estate ‘Golden Terraces Vineyard’ Central Otago Pinot Noir is part of the new Estate range of wines which includes ‘The Woolshed Vineyard’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, ‘The Mound’ Waipara Valley Riesling and ‘The Home Block’ Waipara Valley Pinot Gris. These are single vineyard wines made to reflect the terroir of the particular vineyard.

“Our new Estate Pinot Noir replaces the Mud House Swan range,” explained Mud House Winemaker, Nadine Worley. “It’s made from grapes from three different clones on the Home Block of the Golden Terraces Vineyard. These are 114, 667 and Abel, a New Zealand selected clone. The parcels of fruit were chosen for their consistent quality, depth of flavour and structure. These vines are cropped quiet low in order to ensure this quality.”

Its stable mate is the 2010 Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir which is made from a blend of clones and blocks from The Golden Terraces Vineyard, and focuses on the varietal specialisation of its region. Other wines within the Mud House Premium range include the Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and aromatic varieties from Waipara Valley.

The 2010 vintage started with a relatively dry November that lead to late flowering with naturally lighter crops. With a ‘warm’ February (eight days over 30oC), some frosts and a touch of rain, harvest commenced on the 6th of April.

“This was a stellar vintage,” described Nadine. “The cool start to the season ensured lovely structure and natural acidity while the consistent warmer weather leading up to vintage enhanced the concentration of fruit flavours.”

“Central Otago is one of the most picturesque places in the world, with its patchwork of vineyards cradled within New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Every time I have a bottle of ‘Central’ Pinot Noir it transports me to its unique terroir.”

Central Otago is framed by ancient dry hills and fanned by westerly winds. The soils are characterised by their smaller gravel and fine particles, a result of glaciers grinding the schist rock. These soils are high in mineral content, high draining and offer the vines little in the way of vigour.

These soils, along with the vast diurnal temperatures and high sunshine hours, instill their distinctive terroir into the region’s Pinot Noir. The region is the only true continental wine region in the country, with the vineyards (situated around 350 metres elevation) protected by mountains that reach 3700 metres above sea level. The wines are bold, whilst showing finesse and elegance.

Pricing & Distribution:

Mud House Wines are distributed throughout Australia by The Wine Company Pty Ltd.

2010 Mud House Estate Golden Terraces Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir $36.00

2010 Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir $29.00