Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Noir 2019 (Mornington Peninsula)

2019 vintage saw lower than average rainfall and relatively standard temperatures over winter, and cooler temperatures in August and September, which led to late bud-burst (Ten Minutes by Tractor's second latest) and flowering. However, above average temperatures and low rainfall during summer meant an early veraison and harvest. The period between flowering and veraison saw their warmest ever average minimum and second warmest maximums. Veraison to harvest was our fourth warmest maximums and our driest (47mm v 136mm average). Five days of above average temperatures at the beginning of harvest compressed the vintage further. Yields are normal and fruit quality is outstanding.

Grapes hand-harvested from late February to mid March. 5% whole bunch with destemmed portion all whole berries, and transferred to 5 tonne concrete tanks. Held cold for a few days to delay start of indigenous yeast ferment which then typically runs for 14-21 days. Cap management by pump over with some plunging towards the end of the ferment. Following pressing, the wine was transferred to 11% new 228 litre French oak barrels for 10 months. Natural 100% malolactic fermentation before bottling unfined and filtered.