Clos Henri Pinot Noir 2014 750 ML

From older vines on 100% clay soils, this has a complex, undergrowthy and leafy nose with darker cherries and plum fruit. The palate has a finely detailed texture and attractive, grainy tannins that lead to a sturdy, commanding finish. Producer Information Clos Henri is a wine producer of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. It was founded in 2000 by brothers Remi and Jean-Marie Bourgeois, the sons of famed Sancerre producer Henri Bourgeois. The Bourgeois brothers purchased a 98 hectare (242 acre) property in 2000, drawn to the land by the high quality of its soils. The thick, dense clay soils retain water well, which means the vineyards can be dry-farmed. On the other hand, the alluvial Greywacke stone also found here is free-draining, and retains warmth to aid the grapes with ripening. The vines are planted to a higher density than is normally seen in Marlborough, creating competition between the vines, which makes them work harder to produce high-quality, concentrated berries. Clos Henri has a collection of wine ranges that are all duos of varietal Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The standard Clos Henri range is sourced from from grapes grown on the Greywacke riverstone soils with just a small amount of clay, making structured, minerally wines. More clay-dominant soils are the vineyard source for the Bel Echo range, producing much richer and rounder expressions. The Petit Clos range is sourced from the youngest vines from the estate and produced in an approachable and easy-drinking style. A mixture of stainless steel and French oak, old and new, is used at Clos Henri for fermentation and aging. Lees stirring is particularly important in the production of the Sauvignon Blanc expressions.