Semi translucent dark crimson red colour with mauve crimson hue. The nose displays lifted scents of attractive musky florals, dark cherry and cola generosity, all held in check by a savoury, sappy dark cherry and toast followed by a touch of anise with some spicy end notes.
Fruit driven palate that’s light to medium bodied with flavours of dark cherry, plum and dark raspberry followed by some spicy cedar characters. Embedded acidity leads to textured, smudgy tannin. Just the right balance between cerebral intrigue and sheer enjoyment. Very fine grained soft tannins with good depth and medium to long aftertaste of dark cherry, plum, toast and spice. Easy to recommend.
Accolades and Awards:
2016 Vintage: 93 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion "This vintage produced many full-flavoured pinots, this a very good example. Its colour is deep, the bouquet and palate focused around dark cherry fruit and attendant flecks of spice - spice that will grow with time. The length, balance and varietal fruit expression are an excellent base for the future (and for now)."
From the Winery
The Yarra Valley experienced slightly above average rainfall for the 2015 winter. This replenished the soils of much needed moisture leading into the growing season. The dry mild conditions through spring lowered the potential for disease. This enabled us to keep the vineyards in a clean healthy state. Very good yields and excellent quality appeared to be the theme from all vineyards this year.
100% hand picked fruit. Due to exceptional fruit quality 40% was fermented as whole bunch. This was a perfect opportunity to harness the whole bunch perfumes of the Yarra. Four day cold soak, mix of drain and returns and light plunging for 10-12 days. Indigenous fermentation in 5T open fermenters and 4T oak vats. Matured in a mix of old barriques and stainless steel tanks.
Don't Pay: $25.00
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Yarra Valley, VIC
Winemaker: Julian Grounds
Drink now until: 2021
Alc/Vol: 13.5 %