Pinot Noir 2020

Located in Healesville, in the heart of Victoria's Yarra Valley, Innocent Bystander crafts this Pinot Noir from vines planted on cool, well-drained slopes. The region benefits from a temperate, maritime climate, ideal for slow and even ripening of the grapes. The soils, a blend of clay, alluvial deposits, and volcanic subsoil, offer a good balance between vigor and water retention. This geographical context results in wines that are fragrant, structured, and characterized by a beautiful natural freshness.

The grapes for the 2020 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir are harvested from several parcels in the Yarra Valley, and each batch is vinified separately: partial destemming, short maceration, and fermentation in open vats with gentle pump-overs to preserve the fruit. Part of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness, while the other part is aged in French oak barrels (mostly older ones) for several months before the final blending and bottling, without excessive extraction, resulting in a supple and juicy style.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , raspberry , and ripe strawberry , complemented by floral touches of peony and rose, as well as spicy nuances of sweet pepper and clove, underpinned by a light oakiness reminiscent of cedar and vanilla. The palate is supple and silky, with a lively acidity that lengthens the tasting experience, fine and perfectly integrated tannins, and a persistent, juicy, and harmonious finish.

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.