Wooing Tree is a family owned single vineyard site, situated in the heart of Central Otago next to the town of Cromwell and opposite the ""Big Fruit Sculpture."" The location gives a perfect mix of various sub-regional climates and optimal temperature days. In 2001 WT put in an offer for the land and purchased it in 2002. They took on the services of viticulturalist Robin Dicey to help set up the vineyard and manage it in the development stages. Approximately 44,000 vines were planted in 2002. The 26 hectare single vineyard site has 16 hectares planted in mainly Pinot Noir of multiple rootstocks and premium clones to give variety, complexity and risk minimisation. The vines are all grafted on American rootstock to prevent phylloxera problems. Vines are planted at 2666 vines/hectare on VSP trellis systems (Vertical Shoot Positioning). The vines are spur pruned (usually at 2 buds per shoot) and shoot thinned, leaf plucked, bunch thinned and green harvested all by hand during the season. WT has a computer controlled irrigation/ fertilization system, which is monitored via Aquaflex data loggers to keep an eye on soil moisture and temperature levels.
About WineOne of the reasons NZ producers enclose their wines with a screwcap is to retain freshness and avoid corky aromas from getting into the wine. Although NZ wines can be laid down for further aging, most producers make their wines to be consumed soon after release.
Tasting NotesWinestate Magazine Sept/Oct 2008 , "Michael Cooper’s Recent Releases," 4 stars: "This single-vineyard, Cromwell red is deeply coloured, mouthfilling and fruit-crammed, with loads of cherryish, plummy flavour, still very fresh and vibrant. Showing excellent ripeness and depth, it’s best opened 2009-10."
