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Kiltynane Estate

Tasting Notes


The Site Elevation is 110m above sea level on the northern Yarra Valley slopes.  Slope of 1:10 to the south and west.  Geology is ancient Silurian weathered grey loam over yellow/orange clay.  Average rainfall 550mm.
The Viticulture The 9 year old vines are close planted 1 x 2m. Seven clones are grown.  Biodynamic practices are followed to enhance soil life and negate the need for artificial fertilizers. Synthetic chemical inputs are avoided totally where possible.  Vines are trellised VSP unilaterally to yield 1 to 1.5kg per vine. Viticulture Manager: Kate Kirkhope.
Winemaking Each clone and section is handpicked on sensory ripeness, early in the morning.  Small open pots preferment macerated with 10% whole bunches.  Wild primary fermentation with gentle hand plunging.   “Kiltynane Estate” pinots are matured in a range of selected French Oak and sealed with Diam closure while the Pn2 range is tank matured with a little French oak blended and screw cap closure.  Winemaker: Kate Kirkhope.
Tasting Notes:

There are now two Pinot Noir labels.  The “Kiltynane Estate” label which is my Premium range made from grapes grown only on Kiltynane Estate  and a new 2nd tier “Pn2” range which is made from premium fruit, wild fermented and tank matured to result in a complex fruit dominated wine – one which must show fabulous layers and texture. 

2008 Pn2. This wine has layers of berries, soft spice and herbs evolving in the glass.  10% whole bunches were used with one of the pickers trained to just pick the grapes for the whole bunches.  Exciting layers make this a totally moreish drop.  This wine will integrate and cellar for three to six years.               
2008 “Kiltynane Estate” Pinot Noir will be release around December 2009 and is rated as an outstanding vintage. 

2006 Kiltynane Estate Pinot Noir.  Available in limited supply, this wine has distinct dark berry, soft spice, savoury and forest undergrowth evolving in the glass.  On the palate the Pommard clone shows its input to the blend for the first time, adding some interesting depth to the flavour profile – cola, casserole and game.  More whole bunches were used with some of the ferments having 10% handpicked whole bunches. One of the pickers is trained to just pick the grapes for the whole bunches and this is their job.   A brooding and complex Pinot Noir.  The low acid is soft but there.   This wine will integrate and cellar for at least five years.

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