L'Insolite is Yoshiaki and Kyoko's top Pinot Noir from Northburn station. L'Insolite, meaning the unusual in French, is so named as it is a selection of Sato's best and most unique barrels - in this case just 3 barrels made the cut!

Recently awarded 97/100 by James Suckling: "Aromas of minerals, iodine and oyster shells with plums, strawberries and cherries. Medium-bodied with linear and lightly chewy fruit. Very fine tannins. Savory and juicy. So drinkable now with tannin tension and focus. Drink or hold. One for the cellar. Screw cap."

Vineyard: Northburn Vineyard - lakeside terrace facing West
Soil: Sandy, stony loam over river gravel with mineral rich schist and quartz
Viticulture: Certified organic - no pesticides, herbicides, systemic fungicides or inorganic fertilisers used
Harvest: Hand picked. 28 & 30 March 2020. 31 HL/Ha.
Vinification: Natural yeast fermentation. 80% whole bunch. 32 days on skins. No additives except for 12mg/L sulphites before bottling.
Maturation: 17 months in French oak barrels. No new oak.
Bottling: 22 October 2021 without fining or filtration. 1195 bottles produced (only 36 sold in New Zealand!)