Pinot Noir 2018

Originating from the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, this Pinot Noir comes from hillsides tempered by the cool influence of the Southern Ocean. The Yarra Yering vineyard, planted on predominantly gravelly and clay-loam soils, benefits from cool nights and moderate days, promoting slow ripening of the grapes. This pioneering region of quality winemaking in Australia is renowned for its elegant wines, offering a fresher and more structured profile than those from warmer areas of the country.

The Pinot Noir grapes are harvested by hand, sorted, and then fully destemmed before fermentation in open vats, with pump-overs and punch-downs for gentle extraction. After pressing, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, including a proportion of new oak, for extended aging aimed at preserving the purity of the fruit, the finesse of the tannins, and the aromatic elegance, before bottling at the estate without excessive handling.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red fruits such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by floral nuances of peony and dried rose, as well as spicy touches of sweet pepper and clove. Subtle oak accents, reminiscent of cedar and tobacco leaf, add complexity. On the palate, the texture is silky, supported by fresh acidity , fine and elegant tannins, and a long, aromatically precise 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.