Foxes Island 'By John Belsham' Pinot Noir 2016

Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir | Awatere Valley, Marlborough

94 Points — Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

94 Points — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

The 2016 Estate Pinot Noir expresses the entire Foxes Island vineyard, drawing fruit from seven river-formed terraces rising above the Awatere River. Shaped over millennia by glacial movement and untouched before planting, these ancient soils offer a distinctive lens through which to experience the diversity, precision, and natural elegance of the Awatere Valley.

Planted to three Dijon clones — 115, 667, and 777 — the vineyard provides a mosaic of aromatics, structure, and finesse. Fermented naturally with indigenous yeasts in open-top cuves, the wine reflects its origin with authenticity and depth. Throughout élevage it is handled with exceptional care — gravity-fed, naturally settled, and aged for ten months in small French oak barriques. Unfined and vegan friendly, it preserves the integrity of both site and season.

As with all Foxes Island wines, the Estate Pinot Noir is cellar-aged before release, offered only when its structure, texture, and layered complexity have beautifully aligned — ensuring both immediate enjoyment and further ageing potential for those who wish to cellar.

The 2016 vintage reveals dark berry fruit, savoury dried herbs, earthy mushroom, and delicate spice, supported by perfectly integrated French oak that is soft yet present, contributing gentle structural definition. The palate is refined and silky, with fine-grained tannins and a long, graceful finish that reflects both its pedigree and place.

A true expression of the Awatere Valley and a hallmark of John Belsham’s restrained, time-honoured approach to Pinot Noir, the 2016 Estate Pinot Noir offers elegance, authenticity, and exceptional value for both New Zealand and international consumers.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

In 1993, the Foxes Island Estate Pinot Noir was one of the first single vineyard wines in New Zealand and has been the foundation of our Pinot Noir program for over three decades. It challenged the norms in New Zealand's early days of winemaking and has continually rewarded many with delight.

The ancient Awatere soils, warm days, cool nights, and dry Summer conditions are ideal for Pinot Noir.  The Estate is a blend of three Dijon clones planted 115, 667, and 777 and reflects the seven distinct terraces that curvaceously sit above, around, and alongside the Awatere River.  Those same curves are also found in the wine; they give movement, harmony, and form.

All Foxes Island Pinot Noirs undergo Indigenous fermentation by the yeast and bacteria from the vineyard, which imprint a unique thumbprint on the wine, one that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.  Indigenous fermentations are an integral part of the Foxes Island story and an authentic reflection of the land, the terroir; it's the secret sauce.

The 2013 indigenous ferment, is a stylish wine with strong lines and soft curves. Generous yet refined layers unfold their complexities slowly and methodically in the glass. Aromas of rose and aromatic red cherries lead to ripe dark fruit flavors underscored by savory herbs, sweet spice, and toasty oak that are long and sumptuous. 

The wine will continue to unfold over time, making this wine a delight to drink now, and over the next ten to fifteen years.

Crafted with conscience and a gentle hand in winemaking, the 2013 Pinot Noir is unfined and naturally vegan-friendly.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Great winemaking is not for the impatient nor the faint of heart; it requires consideration, a careful hand in its making, and unwavering commitment to the care of the land, the health of the vines, and the quality of the wine.

At Foxes Island, we believe excellence comes with preparation, tenacity, and patience, and a truly great wine deserves time, a precious, finite commodity we cannot manipulate but must respect, endure, and appreciate. 

Foxes Island offers the most extensive collection of cellar-aged, single vineyard wines on release in New Zealand. We craft our wines as gently as possible and as nature intended; with science, innovation, and time, we will continue to do so.

We believe wine is to be shared, to bring people together, foster community, and celebrate inclusivity and diversity.