2024 Apricus Hill Pinot Noir, Denmark

A sloshy, slurpy pinot noir of good times and easy drinking. Dark cherry, a little mocha, some white chocolate, sage leaf, salt bush and mahogany all playing well here. A pleasing, sweeter fruit profile lends an easy-access feel to the wine. That being said, the finish finds a little bitter herb and woodiness to counter. Nice drink, is the message.

90 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Apricus Hill Pinot Noir from Denmark is a beautifully expressive cool climate red that captures everything people love about this quietly brilliant corner of Western Australia. Denmark sits right on the southern edge of the Great Southern, shaped by the Southern Ocean, constant breezes and a long, gentle growing season. The soils are a mix of gravelly loams over clay, ideal for Pinot Noir that favours fragrance, freshness and fine structure over weight.

Apricus Hill is a small, hands on estate with a clear focus on site driven wines. Pinot Noir is grown and made with restraint, allowing the region’s natural elegance to shine. The approach is thoughtful and minimal, with careful handling in the vineyard and a light touch in the cellar to preserve purity and regional character.

In the glass, the wine is fragrant and inviting. Red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry lead the way, followed by subtle spice, forest floor and a gentle savoury note. The palate is medium bodied and finely textured, with silky tannins and bright acidity giving energy and flow. It feels precise and balanced, with length and nuance rather than power.

At the table, this is a natural partner for food. Roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom based dishes or simple charcuterie all work beautifully with its savoury edge and freshness. It is drinking well now for its vibrancy, but it will also reward a few years in the cellar as it develops more earthy and complex notes. A polished, quietly confident Pinot Noir that shows just how exciting Denmark has become.