2023 Colmar Estate Block 1 Pinot Noir, Orange

Block 1 stands forward as a wine that adds further dimension to the Colmar pinot noir range. Its shapely form combines both black cherries, Assam tea and wild strawberries and holds its oak regime well. Long pepper, rosella and tobacco pouch in its stride. Fruit is focused and delivers in truck loads, with a slippery and yet laser-like drive along the palate. Moreish and compelling, vintage after vintage. Drink 2024–2029.

94 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2025

Colmar Estate is owned by Bill and Jane Shrapnel, who named their property after Colmar, the largest town of the Alsace wine. Purchased in 2013, the estate sits at 980 metres on the slopes of Mount Canobolas and is one of the highest vineyards in Australia. The continental climate delivers warm days, cool nights and a long, unhurried growing season that suits Pinot Noir.

Block 1 is the oldest part of the vineyard. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were planted here in 1991 on a north-facing slope of weathered volcanic soils, well-draining and moderate in fertility. At over 30 years of age, they produce precisely flavoured fruit and wines of clarity and sense of place.

The 2023 vintage at Orange produced wines of excellent clarity and aromatic definition. Winemaker Will Rikard-Bell works with minimal intervention, allowing the site and the old vine fruit to express themselves without unnecessary interruptions.

Brightly coloured, with lots of red and black fruit aromas, nicely detailed and lifted with hints of peppery spice. The palate is silky and focused with fine tannins, curvaceous weight and a long, compelling finish.

How often do you encounter this: excellent, high-altitude, single vineyard parcel, old vine Pinot Noir – and from New South Wales. A rare one indeed.

Drinks well with roast or grilled game fowl.