2023 Apricus Hill Pinot Noir, Denmark

A light, breezy, bright and red-fruited pinot noir of easy-drinking nature, but a little bit more going on than that. It's got good spice elements, a touch of savoury, dried leaf character, almost a truffle-umami riff, grippy, dusty tannins tugging things long and to a fine point, orangey acidity lending some more interest too. All up, a vivid, lightweight red with structure, vitality and deliciousness in tow. Nails the casual pinot so well.

90 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

The Apricus Hill Pinot Noir from Denmark, Western Australia, is a delightful expression of cool-climate winemaking, offering a playful balance of elegance and charm. Crafted by winemaker Jamie Garland, this Pinot Noir proves you don’t need to take life too seriously to make a seriously good wine. Apricus Hill, one of the highest vineyards in the Great Southern region, brings a breezy lightheartedness to the bottle—both figuratively and literally.

On the nose, this Pinot greets you with aromas of red cherries, strawberries, and cranberries, underscored by floral hints of violets and a whisper of spice. If this wine were a stand-up comic, it’d open with a few crowd-pleasing berry jokes before sneaking in a punchline of subtle earthy depth and a hint of smoky oak.

The palate is light to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a lively acidity that keeps things fresh and engaging. Juicy red fruit flavors dominate, joined by a savory complexity that whispers, “I’m more sophisticated than you think.” The finish is long, clean, and just cheeky enough to leave you smiling.

Jamie Garland’s ethos at Apricus Hill is all about crafting approachable wines with integrity, minimal intervention, and a dash of good humor. The vineyard’s elevated location gives the grapes a naturally cool climate, allowing for slow ripening and the development of delicate flavors.

Perfect for pairing with duck pancakes, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board filled with good cheese and bad jokes, this Pinot Noir is as versatile as it is delightful. And the best part? It’s good value, meaning you can afford to enjoy it on a Tuesday night and still have a laugh left over for the weekend.