Winemakers Tasting Notes
2004 Ventifacts Block

’04 was a challenging year for all. For many in Otago it was their first introduction to making wine as Burgundy does. Oh yes the typical mistakes were made by the new people in the industry over cropping and inadequate frost fighting being the
main influences.

BUT for those like Drumsara Wines that have had the experience of not only Pinot but also Central Otago’s temperamental climate know that in addition to good frost fighting and sound management a key factor is PATIENCE!

The Drumsara vineyards where one of the last to come in for the district giving an extra 2-3 weeks
of hang time over the majority of Otago’s harvest. This Extra time on the vine enabled the leaves to catch more quality sunlight. This helped the vines develop more fruit character, flavor and colour to be stored in the berries … and so the secrets of Burgundy are slowly infiltrating the New World regions. Miam! Miam!*

What you will experience….Aromas of intense candied berry fruits - a medley of luscious ripe strawberries and black berries with spice and earth tones. On the palate, bright intense fresh ground spices typical to the Central Otago region. A silky mouth-feel follows the delicious sweet ripe cherry/raspberry flavors and a flavorful melange of cinnamon, clove and ginger spices.
*(Fr=yum yum)

Gerry Rowland
Wine Maker

Download Tasting Notes and Statistics (pdf)