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Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir

Stephen George’s 1982 planted vines and his two neighbouring growers comprise the oldest pinot noir plantings in the Piccadilly Valley, the coolest pocket of the Adelaide Hills. These vineyards are the source of his entry-level pinot noir, a wine of supple fruit drive, soft approachability, alluring rose petal perfume and ripe strawberry/cherry purity. A small inclusion of stalks in the ferment provides notes of brambles, forest floor and sap, while small French oak barriques keep the oak influence subtle. $29 at East End Cellars.