Pinot Noir 2020

Innocent Bystander's Pinot Noir comes from the Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne, in the Australian state of Victoria. This cool wine region is influenced by its proximity to the ocean and the elevation of its hills, which promotes slow ripening and preserves the grapes' natural acidity. The soils are varied, a blend of clay, silt, and volcanic sand, offering a beautiful diversity of expression. Innocent Bystander cultivates his plots with particular attention to the balance between fruit, freshness, and finesse—the hallmark of the region's finest Pinot Noirs.

The grapes for the 2020 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir are harvested at optimal ripeness and then vinified in tanks with a proportion of whole bunches to preserve fruit and freshness. Fermentation takes place under temperature control to promote supple tannins and delicate red fruit aromas. Aging then occurs primarily in oak barrels, including some French oak, to add complexity and structure while maintaining the wine's juicy and approachable character.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , raspberry , and strawberry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet. Spicy nuances of sweet pepper and clove mingle with a light oakiness reminiscent of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is supple and elegant, supported by fresh acidity , fine, integrated tannins , and a flavorful, medium-length finish, perfectly balanced between fruit, spice, and delicately smoky notes.

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.