2022 Carillion Terroir Project Pinot Noir, Orange

Medium-light ruby with purple tints, attractive and complex spicy bouquet with pepper, star-anise/fivespice and dried cherry nuances, and a faint trace of mint. The wine is medium weighted and there's a firm backing of sandpapery tannins, the palate long and fine textured and very elegant. A very smart pinot of concentration and character. (800m altitude. 20% whole-bunch. Wild ferment. Unfined & unfiltered. 888 bottles produced) 25 Nov 2023 Drink 2023–2034

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Carillion Terroir Project Pinot Noir from Orange is a cool-climate red that highlights the region’s high-altitude vineyards and distinctive terroir. Carillion Wines, a family-owned estate with a deep commitment to site-driven winemaking, has been producing wines that reflect the diversity of New South Wales' best wine regions. The Terroir Project series is focused on expressing the unique characteristics of individual vineyard sites, with minimal intervention to allow the fruit and terroir to shine.

The winemaker behind Carillion, Tim Davis, has a passion for crafting elegant and expressive wines that showcase regional identity. His approach to Pinot Noir involves careful vineyard selection, gentle handling in the winery, and the use of French oak to enhance complexity while preserving the wine’s bright fruit character. The Orange region, known for its high elevations and volcanic soils, provides the perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir with finesse, structure, and natural acidity.

In the glass, the Carillion Terroir Project Pinot Noir presents a brilliant ruby-red hue. The nose is perfumed and inviting, with aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry, intertwined with subtle floral notes, dried herbs, and a hint of earthiness. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and layered, offering red berry flavors complemented by soft spice, forest floor, and a touch of minerality. The tannins are silky and well-integrated, while fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced. A long, elegant finish leaves lingering notes of spice and subtle oak influence.

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Its bright acidity and fine structure also make it a great match for charcuterie, truffle-infused dishes, and soft cheeses like Brie or Taleggio. While approachable now, it will continue to develop over the next 5–7 years, gaining further complexity and depth.