Docker Hill is planted to 5 clones including “upright 828” from France.  It displays a lot of blue fruit and Andy thought it would be perfect for not only red, but a beautiful pink wine.   Although this was the first vintage, it was not released until after the 2016 vintage in 2019!

Whole cluster pressing, native yeast.  Fermented in neutral French oak and aged on the lees for 10 months.   Then bottled.   Aged for three years before release.    

Color is a light salmon, nose expresses wet stone, floral notes - rose petals - white nectarine, and on the palate.    It’s sturdy.   This expresses Pinot noir more than rosé.  You get the mouthful from the barrel fermentation.   Not tannic at all, not much astringency.  Really just density, and a lot of spice character.     Wet stone follows all the way through the long finish.   

Pair with a roasted sturgeon with truffle cream sauce, white asparagus, roasted winter root vegetables.   Pork rilette with tarragon bread pudding.    Grilled salmon and fancy mac and cheese.