The 2022 Pinot Noir is very much like the 2022 Chardonnay, in that it is quieter in expression, placid in shape and restrained. This is a beautiful wine, one that very much sits in the zone of complexity and pleasure, freshness and detail. This vintage has slightly less whole-bunch fruit than normal, given the seasonal conditions, and I must say I love it; it exudes a gentleness and clarity of fruit that speaks of this place so clearly. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Planted in 1988, this cool, northeast-facing vineyard (benefiting from being in a rain shadow) was bought in a spur of the moment decision by cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW (of Shaw & Smith in the Adelaide Hills) in 2011. This is fermented and matured in oak barrels, about 30% new, using a proportion of whole bunch fruit. Anne Krebiehl MW: Darker fruit, peony petal, Ceylon tea. Translucent and peppery, crunchy, fine tannin: a beautifully marginal Pinot. Justin Knock MW: Beguiling nose, maritime notes, fragrant spices, cumin, red fruits, layers of flavour. Everything is here and in balance. Wonderful. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Generous, expressive, ripe red and dark fruits and a hint of leafiness and spice. Elegant and combines lots of ripe juicy fruit with savoury complexity.
Plush, fleshy, juicy black cherry, plum and blackberry flavors show plenty of spice hints, including clove, cardamom, oregano and star anise, with savory accents of dried porcini, palo santo and malty Assam tea. There's a wonderful seamlessness and freshness to this red, lingering through on the long, epic finish. Drink now through 2036.
Very good Tassie pinot. Root spice and earthy forestry notes of dried porcini dashi, autumnal leaves and loganberry, set in relief against a swathe of darker cherry. The spiky whole bunch inclusion is evident across the finish reeling off a whiff of dill and mezcal, yet it is largely buried by the extract and density. This should age very well, as the record at this address attests. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Winery Notes
This wine is true to the Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir style: intensely aromatic, medium bodied with savoury spice notes, along with purity of varietal expression, fresh acidity and ripe tannins.
