2022 Apogee Alto Pinot Noir, Piper's River

Pinot noir from a Pipers Brook block planted by Andrew and David Pirie in 1974. Cherry red in the glass with aromas of red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry with hints of rose petals, mocha, lavender, Peking duck, dried cranberries, dried orange rind and mushroom broth. Spacious and detailed on the palate with a lovely gamey edge, gentle forest floor notes, tight minerally acid framework and a finish that shows great poise as it slowly retreats.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au September 2023

Andrew Pirie's objective is to highlight the pure aromatic qualities of the pinot noir grown at Apogee — aromatic red cherry liqueur and raspberry: without excessive oak intrusion. The key structural component of the palate is natural, cool-climate acidity supported with soft grape tannins. Traditional Burgundian methods are employed including cold-soak, wild yeast and aging in French oak barriques.

Mid-colour with bright ruby hue, sweet fruit on mid-palate gives way to good acidity on finish highly aromatic red berry summer pudding, mid-bodied the soft, fleshy texture stands out.