2022 Caledonia Australis Pinot Noir
Caledonia Australis is dedicated to making small batches of handcrafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a sustainable manner. The vineyards, located in some of the coldest and wettest areas of mainland Australia, use mature plants closely spaced in nutrient-rich soil. The winemaking process focuses on preserving the richness and complexity derived from the demanding cultivation conditions.The Pinot Noir is usually processed with a 20 to 40-day skin contact, and natural fermentations occur without added substances. Before fermentation, there's a gentle soaking phase with hand plunging. The wines are aged for a long time (18-20 months) in French oak barrels (15% new, 15% second use, 70% older), followed by an extra three months of bottle aging before release.