2024 Deviation Road Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills

Deviation Road Pinot Noir is a refined and expressive cool-climate red that beautifully captures the elegance and perfume of Adelaide Hills Pinot. Deviation Road is a family-run estate founded by Hamish and Kate Laurie, nestled in the picturesque high-altitude slopes near Lenswood. While best known for their exceptional sparkling wines, the estate’s still Pinot Noir has quietly built a strong reputation for its finesse, structure, and sense of place.

The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards and select high-altitude sites in the Adelaide Hills, where cool temperatures, long ripening periods, and well-drained soils produce Pinot grapes with vibrant acidity and complex aromatics. The vineyards sit on ancient soils of gravelly loam and shale, which contribute subtle mineral notes and help control vigour for flavour concentration. Grapes are hand harvested, sorted carefully, and fermented in small open-top fermenters with a portion of whole bunches to bring extra lift and fine tannin structure. Aging takes place in French oak barriques, predominantly seasoned, to add texture and gentle spice without overwhelming the fruit.

In the glass, Deviation Road Pinot Noir is a bright ruby red with lifted aromas of wild strawberries, red cherries, rose petals, and a touch of spice. The palate is medium bodied and silky, layered with juicy red berries, subtle forest floor, and savoury herbs, supported by fine, chalky tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long, pure, and elegant, showcasing the wine’s cool-climate precision and delicate complexity.

This Pinot is a versatile food companion, pairing beautifully with roast duck, mushroom and thyme risotto, grilled salmon, or beetroot salad with goat’s cheese. It’s also excellent with charcuterie and soft washed-rind cheeses. While highly enjoyable in its youth, it has the structure to age gracefully for 5 to 8 years, gaining more savoury depth over time.