Chain of Ponds
The Chain of Ponds winery was established in 1985 on the outskirts of Gumeracha, approximately 4km from the original township. While vineyards have been part of the makeup of the area since colonisation, the Chain of Ponds Winery was the first major planting of any note in the northern area of the Adelaide Hills Wine region.
Four thousand vines were initially planted, covering 9 varieties, consisting of 470 vines of each variety, which was further increased with an additional 150 acres planted in 1989. The first vintage being in 1988.
The winery has more recently extended the vineyard boundaries to source fruit from a much broader area of the region, which has added further complexities and subtleties to the wines themselves.
Chain of Ponds produces a wide range of products and varieties which are perfectly suited to this cool climate region.
The white varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Semillon and Chardonnay. The reds include popular Australian varieties: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as emerging and exciting varieties for the region: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo.
THE PINOT NOIR STORY
Fruit for our first vintage of this wine came from a vineyard situated in the northern area of the Adelaide Hills, namely "Section 400”, not far from the original Chain of Ponds township.
The Adelaide Hills Wine Region is fast becoming one of the leading wine regions in Australia for producing high quality Pinot Noir. This wine is true to character and style and is constantly being lauded as great value for money. On the palate there are juicy cherry and blueberry fruits, with slight stalky and plum flavours. These are all integrated well with good savoury flavours and spice, and the palate is supported by subtle spice and a hint of oak. The well-rounded medium-bodied palate with strong fine velvety tannins and good acid produce a very enjoyable wine suitable for many duck and lighter red meat dishes.
Section 400 Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir 100% Adelaide Hills 100%
In the Vineyard
Fruit for the Section 400 Pinot Noir is sourced from a number of premium Adelaide Hills Vineyards. A combination of east and north facing slopes with different clonal material produce distinctly different flavours which combine to complement each other in the final wine.
In the Winery
The grapes were crushed and de-stemmed soon after receival and cold soaked for 48 hours before inoculation. The juice was then fermented with minimal cap management in open and static fermenters with a varietal enhancing yeast to preserve the fresh primary fruit aromas of Pinot Noir. It was pressed off skins after 7 days of fermentation and transferred straight into French oak to ensure the complete integration of oak and fruit. Malo-lactic fermentation was completed while in oak, the wine was then racked and returned post malo for maturation. Upon maturation the wine was barrel selected with only the best barrels racked to tank and filtered for bottling.
In the Glass
Colour Cherry red with crimson plum hue. Bouquet Initially you are greeted by lifted cherry, rhubarb and plums with nuances of beetroot, wild mint and dried thyme seamlessly integrated by aromatic savoury oak. Palate On the palate there is juicy cherry and plum with hints of blueberry and rhubarb. Firm savoury fruit and oak tannins balance the sweeter upfront fruits to give length and complexity on the finish. Refreshing wild mint and menthol are evident on the finish and are balanced by hints of char from toasted barrels. Well rounded medium bodied palate with structural tannins and lively acid produce a very enjoyable wine suitable for many duck and lighter red meat dishes.
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