Pinot Noir 2020

Originating from the Yarra Valley in the state of Victoria, southeastern Australia, this Pinot Noir comes from vineyards situated on cool hillsides influenced by the ocean currents of the Bass Strait. The soils are primarily composed of clay, silt, and volcanic deposits, offering a balance between drainage and water retention. The temperate climate, with cool nights and moderate days, promotes slow ripening of the grapes and preserves a beautiful natural acidity while expressing the characteristic finesse of this varietal.

The grapes for the 2020 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir are harvested at optimal ripeness and then fermented in tanks using a winemaking process designed to preserve fruit and freshness, including a proportion of whole clusters to contribute structure and aromatic complexity. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures, with gentle extractions to enhance the elegance of the tannins. The wine is then aged primarily in oak barrels, some of which are French oak, for several months to refine the texture and impart subtle notes of spice without masking the varietal character.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , raspberry , and strawberry , enhanced by floral nuances of dried rose and violet . Spicy touches of sweet pepper and clove mingle with a light oakiness of toasted wood and vanilla . The palate has a supple texture, supported by lively acidity, fine and silky tannins, and a fresh, lingering finish that highlights the elegant and juicy character of Pinot Noir.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.