2024 Philip Shaw The Wire Walker Pinot Noir, Orange

The Wire Walker sits in Philip Shaw's Character Series — the more accessible tier — and is made accordingly. Where the No. 8 uses a proportion of new French oak to build structure and cellaring potential, the Wire Walker is fermented and matured entirely in older barrels, keeping the fruit front and centre and the wine ready to drink sooner. It is a deliberate choice, and the right one for what this wine is trying to be.

Whole berry fermentation in open vats, gentle plunging and pump-overs, pressed at dryness and matured on fine lees. Night harvesting preserves freshness. The approach is careful without being fussy.

Garnet red with a bright crimson hue, the nose is lifted and fragrant — wild strawberry, red cherry, rose petal and a hint of forest floor. The palate is juicy and medium-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity and a fine mineral thread running through to a clean, persistent finish. Earthy spice on the back palate adds just enough complexity to keep it interesting.

Works well across a wide table — think roast chicken, pork belly, Vietnamese pho, Japanese yakitori or a Korean BBQ spread. An easy BYO choice for lighter Asian cuisines where the fragrance and acidity in the wine do the heavy lifting.

Drink now through 2027.