2024 Ampersand Pinot Noir, Pemberton

An all-round super bright Pinot Noir from the juicy, lightly herbal-infused Pinot berry fruits to the briskness of the acidity and those tannins. It’s one lively youthful Pinot that shows why Pemberton deserves greater recognition with the grape. Sings in cherry and plum fruits, pomegranate, herbs, leaf, gentle spice notes and a light touch of aromatic florals. A very fruit focused wine, it puts on a real charm offensive and it’s hard not to be seduced.  And that’s about all you need to know. Enjoy! Drink 2026 to 2030.

93 points Jeni Port for Wine Pilot, May 2026

Ampersand Estates occupies the oldest vineyard site in the Pemberton region, the former Donnelly River Winery, brought back to life by Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheepers after years of dormancy. Pemberton sits in a cool-climate pocket south of Margaret River where deep karri loam soils, generous rainfall and slow ripening produce wines of natural elegance. The estate draws fruit from its own vineyards as well as trusted growers across the region and the Frankland River subregion of the Great Southern. The wines are made in partnership with Rob Mann.

The Pinot Noir is grown at Thella vineyard in Pemberton. Hand-picked fruit was gravity fed to open fermenters, 80% destemmed with 20% whole bunches retained, and fermented over 10 days before pressing to a large French oak vat and a selection of barriques and puncheons for nine months on gross lees.

The 2024 is a Pinot Noir with charm and energy: red cherry, plum and pomegranate on the nose with a lift of dried herbs, leaf and a gentle floral note. The palate is bright and fruit-forward with lively acidity, fine tannins and a brisk, refreshing finish. Youthful and vivid now and will drink well over the next few years.

The wine's bright acidity and red fruit make it a natural partner for something with a bit of earthiness behind it: roasted duck breast with cherry and thyme, or a wild mushroom and herb risotto.

Drink now through 2030.