Q Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir 2018/19

2018 - “This is an elegant Waitaki 2018 Pinot Noir with pretty floral fragrances, red and black cherries, along with dark herbs on a smooth textured fine-grained tannin palate.”
@CANDICEWINECHAT
18.5-/20 PTS

2019 - “This is an elegant 2019 Pinot Noir in harmony with fragrance floral and fruit, lacy acidity on a silky fine-grained texture line.”
@CANDICEWINECHAT
19-/20 PTS

2020 - “Fragrant and attractive Pinot Noir, singing red fruit and floral supported by lacy acidity and a dusty long finish.”
@CANDICEWINECHAT
94 PTS

2021 - “Fabulous bouquet with aromas of fresh, ripe and pure fruit aromas including red and dark cherry, plum and cranberry, complex, youthful and floral. Plush, ripe, taut and delicious on the palate, a wine with pinosity and style. Chalky tannins and acidity deliver mouthfeel and foundation while the fruit. floral and abundant mineral attributes showcase the variety. Excellent drinking from late 2023 through 2033.”
@CAMERON DOUGLAS MS
95 PTS

2022 - “This refined Pinot Noir persist with elegant red fruit, fragrant floral, fine spice on a supple chalky mouthfeel.”
@CANDICEWINECHAT
96 PTS

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:

BORN FROM A DEEP LOVE

Back in 2002, wine-enthusiast Jules Stephan obtained a block of land in the Waitaki Valley, an area used mainly for sheep farming. With the help of businesswoman Jules Matthews, Q Wine was able to begin realising a dream of producing exceptional wine for the sheer love of it. The fertile soil and the unique qualities of the terroir allow Q Wine to produce premium wines that reflect the beauty of the region.

The enigmatic name Q is evocative of the vineyard’s pursuit of excellence and quality when it comes to crafting a wine that is truly unique

WAITAKI VALLEY, NORTH OTAGO

With the booming Southern Alps providing the perfect backdrop, the unique limestone soils of the Waitaki Valley ensures this region is a wine lovers paradise and winemakers dream.

Drive from Queenstown over the dramatic Lindis Pass and you will arrive in pristine limestone country. This area is characterised by gorgeous valleys formed by braided rivers and glacial lakes.

It is one of the most special places in New Zealand to grow grapes. A dry, semi-maritime climate and long growing season imparts exceptional flavours, making for taut, edgy and powerful wines.

OUR VINEYARD

The Q vineyard was one of the first to be developed in North Otago. Planted in 2005, it lies on the southern bank of the Waitaki River near Otiake, on a substrate of fractured limestone marl with overlay of alluvial silts.

To make the most of our location, our vines are densely planted, so that each vine only has to bear a small amount of fruit. Having such low yields produces exceptional wines with great concentration.

We focus on traditional techniques and hand harvest all of our grapes allowing each bottle to emulate the essence of the vineyard. 

We have 6 hectares planted, in three grape varieties. Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

• Four clones of Pinot Gris planted on two rootstocks – Sel Ovaille, 2/15, Barrie and Lincoln Berry Smith.

• For Pinot Noir, we’ve created blending opportunities for our winemaker by planting five clones on two rootstocks – UCD5, DRC Abel, 667 and 115.

• The Chardonnay planted is B95, a traditional Dijon clone.