2024 Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills

Deep red-purple colour; subdued and slightly muffled at first, then forest-floor, fungal and earthy aromas; dark fruits partly hidden. The palate is intense and focused, driven by good fruit concentration and fresh acidity. Compact and long-lasting flavour. Excellent. 06 Jan 2026 Drink 2026–2039

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

A succulent, oh-so-pure, fresh and revitalising pinot noir of compact texture, bright flavour, ebullient perfume, satisfying tannin and lip-smacking deliciousness. It nails the brief. Red cherry, a dusting of sweet spice, some alpine herbs, a touch of cedar and clove with light truffle and mushroom savouriness. A beautiful wine, with perfect pinosity. Fun and wonderful drinking ensues.

95 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Bright and perfumed, with aromas of red fruit, citrus peel, blood oranges, pomegranates, dried mushrooms and wet earth. The palate is focused and precise, with a generous texture, refined tannins and fine acidity leading to a complex yet approachable finish full of pinot charm. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

94 points jamessuckling.com

The 2024 Estate Pinot Noir is perfumed with garden rose and strawberry, red apple skins, vanilla paste and cold tea, pomegranate and raspberry. In the mouth, the fruit is intense, as the bouquet suggests, yet it performs within a framework of fine, savory tannins. It has cinnamon and sandalwood to close, with strawberry and mint mojito notes as the lingering impression. This is a lovely wine from a really good vintage. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

93 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

Ashton Hills was founded in the early 1980s by Stephen George, a pioneer who recognised the potential of the cool Piccadilly Valley long before it became fashionable. Today the estate sits within the Wirra Wirra family, with Liam Van Pelt leading the winemaking. His focus is on clarity of site and fine tannin structure, preserving the delicate perfume that high altitude Adelaide Hills Pinot can achieve. The Estate Pinot Noir is drawn from the original Ashton Hills vineyards, planted on lean, elevated slopes where slow ripening builds fragrance and natural acidity.

Viticulture is meticulous, with careful canopy work and selective harvesting to ensure even ripeness. In the cellar, fruit is handled gently to protect aromatics, with a measured portion of whole bunch fermentation adding spice and architecture. French oak maturation refines texture without dominating, allowing the vineyard’s cool climate character to remain front and centre.

Bright ruby in colour, the aromas lift with red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry layered with rose petal, subtle spice and forest floor. The palate is medium bodied and finely structured, with vivid red fruit wrapped in silky tannins and crisp acidity. Flavours extend into a long, savoury finish with a mineral edge that reflects the site.

It pairs beautifully with duck, pork, mushroom dishes and delicate game. Drinking impressively now with air, it will cellar confidently for ten to twelve years, gaining earthy and truffle complexity.

This is Adelaide Hills Pinot shaped by altitude and patience, perfumed, structured and unmistakably Piccadilly Valley.