2024 Ashton Hills Piccadilly Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills

A highly perfumed, snappy, sappy, bright and red-fruited pinot noir of satiny texture and general sense of freshness and a kind of glassy transparency. Bright, sweet-leaning red of cherry juice with pomegranate crunch shot through, some light kirsch notes, raspberry licorice and dashes of red capsicum, hazelnut and mushroom tea. Very fruit forward, tightened with tangy, orangey acidity, a faint sheath of tannin nicely there. A wine that suggests vigorous youth is its best friend, over general cellaring. Good.

93 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Ashton Hills Piccadilly Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills is a beautifully perfumed and finely structured wine that showcases the cool elegance of the Piccadilly Valley. This cuvée sits between the Estate and Reserve Pinot in the Ashton Hills range, sourced from a mix of estate-grown fruit and select parcels from neighbouring vineyards within the same high-altitude subregion.

Crafted by winemaker Liam Van Pelt, this Pinot is a celebration of detail and restraint. The fruit is handpicked, with fermentation taking place in small open fermenters using wild yeasts and a portion of whole bunches for added lift and spice. It’s then matured in French oak, mostly older barrels, allowing the purity of fruit and subtle savoury notes to shine through.

In the glass, it opens with lifted aromatics of raspberry, cherry, rose petal and dried herbs, supported by hints of spice and forest floor. The palate is finely etched, with vibrant red fruits, silky tannins and a long, mineral finish that speaks clearly of its cool-climate origins. There's precision, poise and plenty of potential for cellaring over the next five to seven years.

Pair it with duck breast, mushroom tarts, pork belly or grilled salmon.