2023 CRFT Arranmore Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills

From a high, wind swept pocket of the Adelaide Hills, this Pinot Noir leans into fragrance, tension and site clarity rather than richness. The Arranmore vineyard sits in a cool zone where long ripening and low yields favour aromatic detail and fine structure. CRFT approaches the site with a hands on, minimal intervention mindset, letting the vineyard dictate the wine’s shape rather than imposing a heavy stylistic hand.

Winemaking is deliberately gentle. Careful extraction protects perfume and builds supple tannin, while maturation is used to knit the wine together without masking its personality. The aim is purity and flow, allowing the fruit and place to stay in clear focus.

Light ruby in colour, the aromas lift with red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry, followed by rose petal, subtle spice and a hint of forest floor. The palate is medium bodied and finely textured, with bright red fruit carried by crisp acidity and fine tannins. Flavours move cleanly through the mouth, finishing long, fresh and savoury with a mineral edge.

It pairs beautifully with duck, pork, mushroom dishes and lighter game. Enjoyable now with a little air, it will develop additional savoury complexity over six to eight years.