2017 Kusuda Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
Hand-picked 28 March to 2 April with rigorous selection at 21–23 Brix. The same rich clonal mix as the 2018. TA 4.9 g/l, pH 3.73. 97% destemmed, cold soaked for 4 to 6 days. Fermented in open stainless-steel vats with pumping-over and hand-plunging for a total maceration period of 22 to 25 days. Aged in French (19% new) oak barriques for 15 months. Unfined and bottled with coarse filtration on 31 August 2018. 4,667 bottles produced. Mid-transparent garnet; looks more youthful than the 2018. Very rich nose suggests a wine with more alcohol than 13%. Again, so clean and pure – though this time with real fruit impact. A hint of orange and tamarind on the palate. Wonderful persistence with a building fan of flavour on the finish. Real reverberation and depth. A wine that sings! (JR)
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
One of the most consistent producers in Martinborough, no doubt because of the intensive handwork carried out in the vineyards, Kusuda has crafted a terrific 2017 Pinot Noir. Thyme and rosemary notes accent black cherry fruit in this medium to full-bodied wine that manages to have ample depth without any weight. It's plump and silky, with red fruit—think pomegranate and raspberries—on the long finish.