Vibrant red cherry and strawberry aromas hit the nose with soft notes of savoury herbs. The palate carries the vibrancy of the nose, showing red and black cherry that subsides into an earthy spice. Supportive acid keeps the palate fresh and add structure. Slightly savory through the finish with low levels of smooth tannin and a lingering note of sour cherry.A blend of declassified barrels from Cooinda Vale and Butchers Hill, but predominantly from the Clarence House Vineyard in the Coal River Valley (clones 777 and 2051). Hand-picked, bunch-sorted, destemmed whole berries (no crushing), open-fermented with cultured yeast, 20 days on skins, matured in French puncheons (40% new) for 10 months. A fragrant and juicy bouquet and palate with a savoury/foresty subtext in small print, but whichdoes run alongside the red and dark berry fruits.
95 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au
Deepish colour and a rich dark cherry and plum aroma. The wine is rich and fruit-sweet, almost luscious in fruit and possesses plenty of weight, depth and style. Smart pinot. Good wine, well structured for aging.16 JAN 2017 Drink 2017–2030