Overview
Devotus Reserve Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 is a limited-production Martinborough Pinot Noir sourced from the estate's oldest vines. Combining 32-year-old Pommard with 27-year-old Dijon and Abel vines, the wine reflects Devotus' low-yielding, non-irrigated approach to Pinot Noir. Concentrated dark fruit, savoury whole-bunch character and fine-grained tannins are supported by wild fermentation and restrained French oak. Only 1,728 bottles were produced.
Vintage
The 2017/2018 growing season in Martinborough was unusual, with extreme heat during December and January accelerating early development before a cooler late summer slowed ripening after veraison. Harvest took place in March, with the vineyard producing a low yield of 2.0 tonnes per acre.
Vineyard & Viticulture
The Reserve was grown from Devotus' oldest vines: 32-year-old Pommard clone vines together with 27-year-old Dijon and Abel clone vines. The vineyard was non-irrigated and farmed using organic and sustainable methods. Undervine weeds were controlled mechanically, while oats, red clover and lupin were grown within the vineyard and returned to the soil to provide organic vine nutrition.
Winemaking
The fruit was hand harvested on 18 March 2018 and carefully sorted, with 30% whole bunches included in fermentation. A three-day cold maceration at 7°C preceded fermentation with wild vineyard yeasts, reaching a peak temperature of 27°C. Total skin contact was 14 days. The wine was matured for 11 months in French oak barrels, including 20% new oak, and bottled without fining or filtration.
Producer Tasting Notes
Devotus: “Visually very dark ruby-red colour. The nose is proportioned with aromas of red cherry and concentrated dark-red berry with savoury notes of whole bunch stalk, earth, and dark herbs. Medium-full bodied, the palate is concentrated, with a dense core of dark red fruits (ripe plums and dark cherries) and herbs. There is a firm structure, with fine-grained tannins, balanced with fresh acidity.”
Producer
Devotus is a family-owned and operated Pinot Noir specialist on the Martinborough Terrace in New Zealand. Its three-hectare single vineyard is devoted exclusively to Pinot Noir, with low cropping, organic soil fertility and traditional, sustainable farming methods central to its vineyard-focused approach.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2018
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Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
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Region: Martinborough, New Zealand
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Alcohol: 13%
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Total Acidity: 4.8 g/L
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pH: 3.59
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Residual Sugar: <1 g/L
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Vine Age: 27–32 years
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Clones: Pommard, Dijon and Abel
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Yield: 2.0 tonnes per acre
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Harvest: Hand harvested 18 March 2018
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Whole Bunch: 30%
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Fermentation: Wild vineyard yeasts
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Skin Contact: 14 days
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Maturation: 11 months in French oak barrels
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Oak: 20% new French oak
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Production: 1,728 bottles
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Fining: None
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Filtration: None
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Closure: 49mm Portuguese Flor-grade natural cork
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Drinking Window: 2020–2030
