Eon of Bendigo

The Claim 431 vineyard was chosen after much searching by Eon’s company founders. The aim was to find the ideal place for growing great Pinot Noir. After significant testing of soil, temperature, climate and environment around the wider Central Otago area the Bendigo sub region was deemed the best.

Bendigo, the warmest of the sub regions of Central Otago with its semi-arid climate, lies northeast of Cromwell, and east of the Clutha River and Lake Dunstan.

There are 3 terraces and 10 clones; vines planted on the gentle, stony, free draining north-facing slopes (ranging from 200 – 350 metres) capture the hot summer sun and cold clear nights.

The soils, mostly shallow, are composed of clay, gravel and quartz, known for producing Pinot Noir rich in flavour with strong tannins, considered to be the most muscular, full-bodied wines made in Central Otago.

A PATIENT DEDICATION

Tom Bullen, Cleighten Cornelius and Andrew Brown, make up the team behind Eon and consider the project to be one which brings together viticulture and winemaking. They are dedicated to producing Pinot Noir which illuminates the Bendigo site and speaks to the vintage.  Selecting the grapes (based on clones and location within the vineyard) and nurturing them through the season, requires time, dedication and patience.

VINTAGE: 2013 ‘Released 2017’

CENTRAL OTAGO The growing season was characterised by warm, but not excessively hot temperatures.

The 2013 harvest started with a light frost which smashed the early crop of clone 113, whose lovely graphite influence had played a big part in the 2012 Eon of Bendigo.

Hand harvested from our terraced plantings Home Block of Claim 431. The small tight bunches were perfect for the inclusion of 25% whole bunch fermentation, utilising a combination of wild and selected yeasts. This method also helped to express the fine chalky tannin line and highlights the wine’s ripe spice and florals. The wine matured in a combination of new and old French barriques and puncheons from selected cooperages and spent 10 months relaxing in barrel.

Peering into the glass you’ll find it’s all there…high notes, seductive aromas of spice, stalk, red blossom and oak spice.   CLONES: 777 (74%), 115 (20%), 114/667 (6%)

Eon of Bendigo Pinot Noir 2013 Tasting Note

VINTAGE: 2014

CENTRAL OTAGO The growing season was characterised by warm, but not excessively hot temperatures.

A cool start to October stalled growth which then shot away with a dose of rainfall in early November coupled with a really warm spell; it felt like summer had arrived early. A very calm, wind-free spring followed. Good temperatures during flowering set an excellent crop. Late in December the temperatures cooled down for about 6 weeks until the end of January; one of the coldest on record. The season picked up some heat in the latter part of summer with a warmer and drier than average autumn.

In 2014 clone 777 from the Terrace was stunning, and finally we were able to craft this wine solely from the Terraces; Clone 777 increasing the whole bunch component to 44%. More supple than the 2013 and showing the chewy graphite tannins reminiscent of the 2012. Giving support, but allowing in this case all the layers and soft elegance to shine. Expressing a silkiness which is more inviting than the V13 at this stage in time. And has a wonderful juicy acidity with bright cherry, plum wood spice. This is all about savouring and relaxing in the glass and the evolution of Bendigo’s structural awareness.

Eon of Bendigo Pinot Noir 2014 Tasting Note 2018 release