Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2013

Description

Situated in the cool climate of Victoria’s Macedon Ranges Curly Flat has long been regarded as one of Australia’s finest producers of Pinot Noir. Curly Flat owes its success to Phillip & Jeni Moraghan’s fanatical attention to the vineyard – one of the coolest grape growing regions in mainland Australia…perfectly suited to chardonnay and pinot noir.  Phillip is a big believer in not only terroir but the importance of the ‘hand of man” in looking after the vineyard – hence biodynamic practices and minimal additions in the winery. All this work in the vineyard reaps great rewards. Jancis Robinson MW (aka the queen of wine) is a big fan and James Halliday calls them “ the chardonnay and pinot noir superstar of Victoria’s Macedon Ranges”

2013 was a dream growing season ( although an early start to picking) with no adverse weather nor any disease pressure.  Phil Moraghan regards 2013 as amongst his top vintages and loves the balance, refinement and structure in this Pinot. He prefers the 13s to the 12s – both excellent vintages although he thinks increased diurnal temperatures (difference between day and night) during 2013 growing season has produced more finesse.

We commend Curly Flat holding back the release of their wines (a luxury many wineries can’t afford!) however they also suffered very reduced yields with problems at flowering for the 2014 vintage … accordingly as supply will be tight in the short term they have reduced allocations of the 2013 stock to retailers to make sure restaurants will not run out! So now is ‘last drinks’ call to secure your 2013 Curly Flat wines at razor sharp prices!

Vibrant nose of red fruits, floral swirls of violets and dried flowers and herbs. More savoury elements of leather, undergrowth and spice culminate to form a nose that is perfumed and elegant, yet powerful and deep. Immediately plush, structured and mouthfilling.  The fragrant nose flows on to the palate, gracefully occupying the upper registers, while the fleshy red fruits and French oak spice give great contrast to the juicy acid.  The exceptional fruit allowed a hands off approach in the winery, ensuring the season is reflected in the finished wine.  While very approachable now, it has the structure, complexity and length to go for 10+ years.

96 points, James Halliday, 2017 Australian Wine Companion: “20 months in oak, 30% new. Characterised by its satiny mouthfeel, though the swirls of sweet-sour cherries, cranberry, spice and cream wage war on your senses. To excellent effect. Tannin, acidity, length; all march imposingly through the mouth. Another beauty.”

95 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front: “… We’re in good form here. The power, the delicacy, the yin, the yang. Slippery, satiny mouthfeel,loads of spice, sweet-sour cherries, cream, cranberry, a carousel of savoury flavour, and tannin, twirling through the finish. Really very good.”

RRP $60