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Established 1851 by the French Marist order, Mission Estate are New Zealand's oldest winery, under continuous management ever since. The city of Lyon's Society of Mary sailed to New Zealand with little more than faith, fair winds and a few healthy vines. Men of Burgundy, they knew from good wine, they chose their ground and planted rootstock near Ngaruroro River between Napier and Hastings at Pakowhai. Agriculture and livestock were a necessity, but the establishment of a productive vineyard was essential. The area is now known as Hawke's Bay, internationally renowned for the rich terroirs of Gimblett Gravels, home of New Zealand's most salient brands... The burgundy tradition of te ika a maui»

Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir CONFIRM VINTAGE

Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Victoria
For those who like their Pinot Noir to be long, savoury and lean, with oodles of fruit to wax lyrical about. A collation of harvests from the Sexton and Tarraford vineyards, with contributions from a fraternity of superior local growers. The uncrushed grapes are wild yeast fermented and treated to a light carbonic maceration in the manner of a Beaujolais, achieving a vigorously fruit driven Pinot Noir with crisp acids and stirring aromas. Enjoy alongside both versions of rare breast or crisp skinned duck, the perfect match to tapas and Al fresco faire.
Available by the dozen
Case of 12
$287.00
Innocent Bystander seek Pinot Noir grapes with perfect ripeness and sugar balance. Vineyards are selected for their high diurnal temperature range, to achieve wines with high natural acidity and low pH. All grapes are hand picked, a large portion of the fruit is included as whole bunches, uncrushed and unstemmed into open top fermenters. A term of cold soak at lower temperatures is followed by inoculation, mainly through the action of wild, indigenous yeasts. Variations of pigeage and remontage are applied. The major part is treated to malolactic and several months in French oak barriques to enhance complexity while infusing mouthfeel and texture.
Medium purple hues. Nose of dark cocoa and poached cherry, hints of truffle oil and tobacco leaves, wet earth and berries of the forest. Ripe cherry and mixed fruit compotes, bramble with a hint of tar and seasoned grilled meats. A round fresh palate showing rhubarb and radicchio over the twang of chalky tannins before a slippery, rich and slightly tart finish.
Innocent Bystander
Innocent Bystander create wines that are delicious expressions of what they love to make and to drink, perfect for exploring the iconic styles and varieties of Yarra Valley

Innocent Bystander don’t make single vineyards wines, but they do know that great wines need great fruit, so they source the best grapes they can from some of the top vineyards in Yarra Valley. If there’s a variety they want to make that doesn’t grow well in the valley, they'll go to where the quality fruit is. Their winemaking team treat every parcel of fruit individually to ensure the outstanding varietal characters shine through in the finished product, showing off the very best of the region and sites they represent to make flavoursome, balanced and delicious wines.

Innocent Bystander

If Innocent Bystander can’t make it great, they don’t make it at all. Wines made of quality fruit with a soft touch, a vinification that includes hand picking, wild yeast and whole bunch ferments. Innocent Bystander are not judgemental about wine, they know there are people who love Moscato and bubbles as well as those searching for an exceptional Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Innocent Bystander wines are best enjoyed with good company and great food, they are designed and made with sharing in mind. Created from the pick of Yarra Valley harvest and inspired by the classic styles that everyone loves, delicious!

Innocent Bystander

Innocent Bystander