Settlement Vineyard is planted on the slopes of the Omaka Valley in Marlborough. Owned by Dog Point and managed with immense intelligence and insight by viticulturist Nigel Sowman. East Slope lies in a north-north-east orientation and is planted at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare on clay-rich soils. Vineyard is BioGro certified. From high up the East Slope comes our sixth study of this micro-site. Radiating its typical warmth and freshness with red and blue fruits layered over earthy aromatics. Sleek yet firm tannins frame the silken palate. Energy and generosity to enjoy immediately or tuck away for evolution and interest.

The grapes were hand-picked 19th March 2017, sorted into 1⁄2 ton bins and transported to the winery. Seventy percent of the fruit was de-stemmed and sorted again to a sealed tank for 5 days at ambient temperature. Piegage was employed and a spontaneous rapid ferment began, lasting 8 days. Post-fermentation the young wine rested on skins for a further 8 days prior to pressing, settling and then transferring to seasoned (second and third year) French oak barrels. The wine remained in barrel for 13 months on original lees undergoing a natural malolactic ferment during this period. Late April 2018 the wine was moved from barrel to tank where it remained for a further 7 months prior to being racked once more and sulphured in preparation for bottling in November 2018. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.