2022 Holm Oak The Wizard Pinot Noir, Northern Tasmania

Full ruby with the merest trace of purple; smoky barrel aromas overlying black cherry and a metallic/crushed-rock whiff, the palate adding firm focus to the tensioned fruit flavour. The wine is intense and has some appealing richness, ample tannins adding density and structure. A pinot of uncommon power, structure and ageworthiness. 25 Jul 2024 Drink 2024–2038

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

There's 30% whole bunches in the mix here and it comes across as a more complex, textural wine than the 'house' pinot noir. Some darker cherry in the mix, wild strawberry and raspberry coulis, too, with an understory of spice, amaro herbs, dried citrus rind, gamey tones and a dose of earthiness. It's got a lovely minerally palate presence, tannins powdery and compact, the tail long, slender and lingering with spice, stone and red fruits.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Holm Oak The Wizard Pinot Noir from Northern Tasmania is one of the region’s most commanding and deeply expressive Pinots, a wine that sits at the very top of the estate’s range and reflects the absolute best fruit from Rebecca and Tim Duffy’s impeccably tended vines. Holm Oak is a family run winery in the Tamar Valley, a cool and breezy part of northern Tasmania where long ripening seasons, ancient soils, and maritime influence combine to produce Pinot Noir of great perfume and natural tension. The Wizard is their masterwork, crafted from the oldest and most meticulous vineyard blocks, showing both power and refinement in equal measure.

The Tamar Valley’s mix of clay loam over ancient volcanic and alluvial soils gives Pinot grapes concentration and an earthy, savoury foundation, while the cool climate preserves acidity and aromatic lift. Fruit is hand picked in small parcels at perfect ripeness. Fermentation takes place with careful whole bunch inclusion to introduce spice and fine tannin without overwhelming delicacy. Indigenous yeasts bring complexity, and the wine then moves to high quality French oak, a small portion new, for maturation that polishes texture and deepens structure. Every step is measured, slow, and exacting.

In the glass it shows a deep, luminous ruby. The aroma is captivating and layered, beginning with black cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, followed by rose petal, sandalwood, crushed herbs, and a subtle edge of forest floor. With time the aromatic profile expands to include dark plum, cocoa, orange zest, and a gentle smoky note from seasoned French oak.

The palate is seamless, powerful, and beautifully shaped. Intense red and dark fruit glide across a frame of finely woven tannins. Flavours of cherry, black tea, pomegranate, and soft spice unfold slowly, supported by bright natural acidity and a savoury mineral core. The finish is long, focused, and persistent, with the kind of concentration and quiet complexity that marks The Wizard as one of Tasmania’s most serious Pinots.

It pairs magnificently with duck, venison, roasted mushrooms, truffle dishes, or slow cooked pork. The structure and depth mean it will cellar confidently for twelve to fifteen years, evolving towards dried flowers, forest notes, and greater savoury complexity.