Pinot Noir 2020

Located in Healesville, in the heart of Victoria's Yarra Valley, the Innocent Bystander estate crafts this Pinot Noir from vineyards planted on cool, well-drained slopes. The Yarra Valley enjoys a temperate, maritime climate, characterized by cool nights and moderately warm days, ideal for the slow ripening of Pinot Noir. The diverse soils, a blend of clay, silt, and alluvial deposits, result in grapes that offer both aromatic finesse and good natural acidity.

The grapes for the 2020 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir are harvested at optimal ripeness and then destemmed before fermentation in tanks with gentle pump-overs to preserve the fruit. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature to enhance the aromatic expression of the varietal. After pressing, the wine is aged for several months in oak barrels and tanks, which allows the tannins to soften while retaining the freshness and juicy character of Pinot Noir, typical of the winery style.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , juicy raspberry , and ripe strawberry , accompanied by floral touches of peony and violet . Spicy nuances of sweet pepper and clove mingle with subtle oak, hinting at vanilla and cedar . On the palate, the texture is supple and silky, supported by fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish that retains a fruity and spicy character.

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.