Description
This leading Pipers River producer in Tassie has done well here. Michael Caldwell (viticulturalist/winemaker- with experience at Te Kairanga and Joseph Chromy) overseas the 12 hectare vineyard and employs classical Pinot Noir winemaking techniques: hand sorting fruit, cold soaking, whole bunch inclusion, hand-plunging and wild fermentation; to create wines that combine fruit intensity with layers of texture and persistent varietal characters.
About this wine from the winemaker: “Magic happens when the right elements collide. In this case, Coal River Valley’s plentiful sunshine, low rainfall and drying winds result in bright blue fruit flavours, soft tannin and bright acidity. This Pinot Noir is like a well-tailored suit that fits in all the right places. Take a bow, Mother Nature.”
“The 2023 vintage in the Coal River Valley was strongly influenced by a La Niña weather pattern, resulting in cooler south easterly airflow during the growing season and above average rainfall. Both conditions increased the length of the ripening season, while decreasing the average yield due to the cool weather during flowering.
“The grapes were predominantly sourced from Block I2 in the Pontos Hills vineyard, comprising a blend of clones 114 and 115. Managed with detailed hand work, including removal of excessive vegetative growth throughout the season, these vines were well balanced with low to moderate crops.
“The fruit was handpicked, 5% of the bunches were placed directly into the fermenter with the balance being destemmed and placed on top for fermentation. Natural fermentation commenced after two days and the must was plunged up to three times daily. The wine was settled before placing into French oak barriques (30% new) for 10 months. Malolactic fermentation occurred in spring and the wine was blended in February prior to bottling.
“Aromas of freshly cut dark purple plums, Asian spice, violets and liquorice with some cola and graphite nuances. A complex mix of dark cherry, forest loam and cranberries is superbly knitted into a structure of fine natural acidity with a hint of French oak tannins. The length is long and subtle with enough tension to give promise for cellaring.”
95 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday’s Wine Companion “A bright mid-ruby hue with aromatically detailed red plum, red apple and raspberry fruits leaping from the glass. Hints of exotic spices, pressed flowers, Chinese barbecue shop, leaf litter, mushroom risotto, amaro herbs and game meats. Bright and focused with a lovely fruit and acid tension, fine, chalky tannins and a mineral-laden acid drive. There is a vitality and shape to this wine that impresses greatly, finishing savoury and sustained.”
95 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion “Bright ruby with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry fruits with hints of exotic spice, leaf litter, pomegranate, amaro, orange blossom, roast game, dried citrus rind and crushed stone. The gamey notes flow in a bit more on the palate, infusing through the pure dark cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruits as the palate unfurls slowly, supported by chalky tannins and fine, lacy acidity.”
RRP $79 Our Special Price $65.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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