Colder weather in spring led to a longer than usual flowering season, resulting in a looser bunch structure and smaller bunches. Summer temperatures were unusually mild for Marlborough, regulated by cooler easterly breezes and light cloud cover. Intermittent autumn rains slowed ripening which meant our 2017 harvest plans had to be flexible whilst we waited for dry weather periods. Vineyard blocks expressing delicate Pinot Noir flavours and crisp natural acidity are carefully selected for this Cellar Selection wine. The warmer Wairau Valley provides fruit with riper red cherry flavours, whereas the cooler Awatere Valley vineyards take longer to ripen producing fresh herbal flavours