The low yielding 2011 vintage heightened flavour and tannin ripeness, prompting a higher level of whole bunch inclusion and extended natural fermentation and the result is impressive. It leads out with a pretty and complex nose of rose hip, beetroot, black cherries and pink pepper. The palate is built on a core of intense, focused […]
Another great release for Ashton Hills, defining the pinnacle for South Australian pinot noir, this is a coherent, effortless, seamless assemblage that showcases beautifully defined cherry and berry fruits, dissolving 50% new oak in a finely textured and refined style. Impressive depth of black cherry and strawberry fruit contrasts crunchy rose hip definition and layers […]
A silky, polished gleam defines Montalto’s 2012 pinots, lifted here with rose bud perfume and layers of pristine red cherries, strawberries and nuances of pink pepper. Low alcohol (13.1%) and tangy acidity define an elegant and pretty style of softly silky yet well-defined tannins. One of the greats from Montalto. Best price direct.
As always, the Yarra presents the most graceful persona of the Downie set, and its allure in 2013 makes it my pick of the trilogy. This is a pinot noir that elegantly harmonises pretty rose petal lift, red cherry, wild strawberry and red berry fruits with seamless texture and finely structured mouth feel, articulating the […]
The powerhouse of the Downie pinot trilogy, Mornington 2012 personifies the meeting of grace and power. A core of black cherry and wild strawberry fruit makes for impressive fruit poise and intensity, lifted by violet fragrance and navigated by impressively seamless line through a very long finish. There is fruit depth and intensity here, but […]
Gippsland is always the most rustic of Bill’s pinot trilogy, and again in 2013. Beetroot, freshly tilled earth and game unite in a savoury and complex style of secondary berry fruits and finely structured tannins. It’s fine, dry, complex, structured, lifted with tangy morello cherry acidity and lingering long on the finish. Best price direct.
Great to see enticingly appealing New Zealand pinot on Australian shelves under $30. John Forrest’s Marlborough is elegant, harmonious and effortlessly balanced in its vibrant red cherry and strawberry fruits, gently supported by finely poised tannins and refreshing acidity. $24 at Wine Box Warehouse (2011).
Auntsfield’s vines reached a decade of age in 2010 and their fruits are already displaying even flow and great balance. This is a fruit-focused style, supported by very fine, confident tannins and mineral texture, promising another decade of potential. Released later than most, this is an estate to watch as those vines mature. $30 at […]
A rousing celebration of the deep black fruits of Central Otago within a beautifully structured and enduring frame. Pure black cherry, black plum and berry compote are lifted by violet perfume and spiced up with notes of pepper. Finely textured, beautifully structured tannins confirm a stunning New Zealand pinot at a great price. $33 at […]
A standout for its price, all the more commendable in a vintage that did not flatter all in Marlborough. This elegant style accurately captures the character of Marlborough pinot noir in rose petal perfume, tangy red cherries, strawberries and pink pepper. It’s a graceful and effortless wine, underlined by finely structured, softly textural tannins that […]