2011 Pitchfork Pink
| Vintage: | 2011 |
| Growing Region: | Margaret River 100% |
| Grape Varieties: | Cabernet Sauvignon 100% |
Vintage
The 2010 vintage in Margaret River was in two distinct phases. Early in the season it was warm to hot and very dry. The higher than normal daytime temperatures ripened the whites; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho and Semillon, earlier than normal. The fruit was scrupulously clean due to the lack of spring rain, making bright, clean and very fruit expressive wines.
While the height of summer was quite warm the season broke very quickly with temperatures dropping dramatically in late March, this proved to be beneficial as it allowed more time on the vine for the red varieties and prevented excessive sugar build up in the grapes which has moderated alcohol in the final wines.
The season appears at this early stage to be outstanding for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Michael Kerrigan
Winemaking
The 2011 Pitchfork Pink is a traditional dry style rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River. Harvested at full ripeness of colour and flavour the fruit was de-stemmed and lightly crushed into red fermentation vessels. After 12 - 15 hours of contact between juice and skins a small amount of juice was drained into tank. This drained portion of juice displayed a vibrant salmon-like colour while retaining the classic Cabernet aromas and flavours. The juice was then treated like a white wine with cool fermentation in stainless steel. No oak was used and the wine was fermented to dryness, quality Cabernet Sauvignon like this has sufficient fruit sweetness without having to rely on residual sugar to give the palate weight.
The 2010 Pitchfork Pink is made from quality Cabernet Sauvignon and is made with forethought to be a true rosé.
Colour
Bright and clear pink hues.
Nose
The wine is clean, fresh and has an inviting berry fruit nose. Aromas of vanilla bean ice-cream and fresh strawberries.
Palate
The palate is fresh and lively with rich juicy cabernet characters. Lingering fruit flavours carry through the palate which finishes with just a hint of red wine texture. The perfect wine to enjoy on a spring or summers day.The perfect wine to enjoy on a spring or summers day.
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