Foxes Island
Artist Series Pinot Noir 2014 750ml

New Release

In 2014, Foxes Island founder and winemaker John Belsham crafted two special wines for the Artist Series; a Pinot Noir and La Lapine, a renowned Sauvignon Blanc from the Belsham Awatere Estate in Marlborough.

The Pinot Noir grapes for the Artist Series Pinot Noir grow on the first block planted on the Awatere Estate, John's favorite. The 2014 was an outstanding vintage and a warm vintage by New Zealand standards.  The warm growing season delivered even ripening in the clusters, allowing for an increase in whole-bunch fermentation in open-top French oak cuves. After the indigenous fermentation was complete, the wine was aged in small, French oak barriques. Over time, the wine settled naturally, and no fining was required.  

The resulting wine has structured, strong shoulders softened by a plush core of red and black fruits, sweet spice, toasty oak, and earthy elements. Underneath the round flavors and velvety texture sits an intriguing savory line that skirts across the mid-palate, adding depth and complexity. The wine finishes with purpose and poise that is immediately alluring and seductive.

The labels feature the artwork Sunbird Karaoke, by New Zealand artist Kirsty Black.  Sunbird Karaoke symbolises a beacon of light and the joy of living life fully, whilst fostering harmony, laughter, and support without judgment.

Outstanding - 95 Points, Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

Why we should age Pinot Noir is exemplified with this Artist Series release Pinot Noir.  Aromas of fresh and aged cherry fruits, sweet and preserved plums, complexities from bottle age, and fragrances of earth, stones, roses, and barrel spices. Taut and dry on the palate with salivating tannins and acidity then flavours of red berries and plums, savoury dried herbs, and barrel spice qualities. Complex, lengthy, perfectly weighted, and ready to drink from 2023 through 2030+.

From the Winemaker, John Belsham

The 2014 vintage offered me the opportunity to create a wine that expresses my love of architecture and design. It was a warm, very even growing season yielding grapes with an intensity of flavor and structure; a benefit of both the vintage and the increasing vine age.  The grapes and resulting juice were gently handled through the entire winemaking process, and the wine naturally settled on its own; thus it is unfined and vegan-friendly.

The resulting Pinot Noir has precise lines and a focused structure that is striking and quite elegant.  Seamless layers of dark cherry, dusty red rose, earthy mushroom, and savory spice are generous and fine.  5,862 bottles produced.