Pinot Noir 2020

Innocent Bystander crafts his Pinot Noir in the Yarra Valley, in the heart of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. This temperate wine region benefits from the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean and varying altitudes, which promote a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes. The soils are predominantly clay-loam with volcanic nuances, offering good water retention and notable aromatic complexity. The Yarra Valley is renowned as one of Australia's cradles of great Pinot Noirs, characterized by their fresh and elegant style.

The grapes for the 2020 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir are harvested at optimal ripeness and then fermented in tanks with an approach designed to preserve fruit and freshness, often using a proportion of whole bunches to contribute structure and aromatic complexity. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature to promote gentle tannin extraction. Aging then occurs primarily in oak barrels, with a limited proportion of new oak, for a moderate period that refines the texture without masking the wine's fruity and juicy character.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red fruits like cherry and raspberry, enriched with floral touches reminiscent of violet and peony, as well as delicate spicy nuances of pepper and clove, underpinned by a subtle, understated oak character. The palate displays a silky texture, a fresh acidity that invigorates the whole, fine, well-integrated tannins, and a slender, medium-intensity finish that leaves an impression of purity and finesse.

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.