2013 Pinot Noir — Library Collection

Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir | Awatere Valley, Marlborough

Great winemaking is neither rushed nor for the faint of heart; it demands patience, precision, and an unwavering commitment to the land. At Foxes Island, we believe excellence is earned over time — a precious element we cannot manipulate, only respect. The 2013 Pinot Noir from our Library Collection is a testament to this philosophy.

First produced in 1993, the Foxes Island Estate Pinot Noir was one of New Zealand’s earliest single-vineyard releases and has formed the backbone of our Pinot Noir program for more than three decades. It challenged convention in the early days of New Zealand wine and continues to reward those who seek depth, purity, and authenticity.

The Awatere Valley’s ancient soils, warm days, cool nights, and dry summers create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. The Estate is planted to three Dijon clones — 115, 667, and 777 — spread across seven curving river-formed terraces that rise above and alongside the Awatere River. These natural contours are echoed in the wine itself: elegant arcs of structure, movement, and harmony.

All Foxes Island Pinot Noirs undergo indigenous fermentation, driven by the yeasts and bacteria from the vineyard. This natural process imprints a signature that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world — a true expression of terroir and an integral part of the Foxes Island story.

The 2013 Pinot Noir is a wine of quiet power and refined detail. Aromas of rose, red cherry, and fragrant spice unfold into generous layers of dark fruit, savory herbs, and subtle toasty notes. Its lines are strong yet supple, with a long, seamless finish that reveals more with every moment in the glass.

Poised and balanced, this Library Collection release will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10–15 years, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare chance to experience cellar-released New Zealand Pinot Noir at an exceptional stage of its life, with further ageing potential ahead.