Pinot Noir 2020

Innocent Bystander's Pinot Noir comes from vineyards located in the Yarra Valley in Victoria, southeastern Australia. This temperate wine region benefits from cool ocean breezes and hills offering varied sun exposure. The soils are primarily composed of clay, decomposed shale, and alluvial deposits, promoting optimal ripening of the Pinot Noir while preserving its freshness. The mosaic of vineyard plots allows for the creation of a wine that reflects the elegant and fruity character typical of this renowned Australian valley.

The Pinot Noir grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and then fermented in tanks, with a proportion of whole bunches to preserve freshness and structure, before aging in oak barrels to retain the crisp fruit and elegance of the varietal. The winemaking process is designed to produce a juicy and approachable style, with supple tannins and a silky texture, typical of Innocent Bystander's interpretation of the Yarra Valley, prioritizing aromatic purity and discreet oak to enhance the varietal character.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , raspberry , and strawberry , enhanced by floral touches reminiscent of peony and rose, as well as subtle spicy and peppery nuances imparted by oak aging. A light oak character is also perceptible, with hints of discreet oak and vanilla . On the palate, the wine is supple and juicy, supported by lively acidity, fine and silky tannins, and a fresh, elegant, and harmonious finish that readily invites another sip.

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.