2020 Gala Estate Constable Amos Pinot Noir, East Coast Tasmania

The icon pinot noir from Gala Estate makes a strong showing with the '20 release. Mid-ruby in the glass with aromas of dark and red cherries, dried cranberry and wild strawberry. A little increase in visible oak, but it's well integrated in the way of vanilla, wood spice and roasted nuts along with five-spice, star anise, wildflowers, charcuterie, dried tobacco, amaro and earth. Complex, meaty and pure, with powdery tannin and a fine, succulent, minerally cadence.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Gala Estate Constable Amos Pinot Noir from Tasmania’s East Coast is a beautifully sculpted and quietly luxurious expression of Pinot Noir from one of the island’s oldest family owned vineyards. Gala’s history stretches back to the early eighteen hundreds, and the Constable Amos bottling sits at the very top of their range, drawn from their most carefully tended parcels on the windswept coastal slopes near Cranbrook. These vineyards lie on ancient dolerite, limestone and sandy loams, soils that deliver perfume, fine tannins and a distinctive mineral thread. The maritime climate brings long, cool ripening seasons with plenty of sun, crisp nights and consistent breezes that naturally concentrate flavour while preserving elegant acidity.

The winemaking is detail driven and intentionally restrained. Hand picked fruit is sorted berry by berry before fermenting with a tailored portion of whole bunches to build aromatic lift and structural complexity. Gentle plunging keeps the tannins refined. The wine then matures in French oak, with a modest proportion new, chosen for subtle spice and shape rather than dominance. Constable Amos is crafted to reveal depth and purity in equal measure, a style that mirrors the poise of top cool climate Pinot Noirs.

The aromatics unfurl with quiet intensity: wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry supported by rose petal, cranberry, orange zest and a hint of redcurrant. Beneath the brightness lies a distinctly Tasmanian savoury edge with notes of dried herbs, forest floor, black tea and a fine mineral line echoing the coastal soils. As the wine opens, subtle touches of spice, pomegranate, sandalwood and gentle earth weave through the bouquet.

Texture is everything on the palate. Red berries glide effortlessly across finely layered tannins that feel silken yet structured, backed by vibrant acidity that adds lift and definition. Flavours of cherry, red plum skin, raspberry, spice and soft earthiness build in slow, elegant waves. A saline whisper and crushed stone minerality run through the finish, which lingers long, refined and quietly complex. This cuvée has the balance and concentration to evolve beautifully for eight to twelve years, gaining savoury depth and truffle like nuance.

It is a superb partner for dishes that echo its finesse: roast duck or quail, mushroom and thyme gnocchi, herb roasted chicken, grilled salmon, beetroot and feta salads, charcuterie, washed rind cheeses or truffle scented pasta. A slight chill enhances its perfume and precision.