Canberra 13.8% Screwcap $18 Source: Sample
The Canberra district is hardly synonymous with Pinot Noir. This wine shows that it’s capable of producing a good version, and it’s at a price point which should encourage you to see for yourself. I don’t think it’s a style that everyone will love, but as a dry, savoury and structured Pinot I think it’s a winner. Quarry Hill source the fruit for it from one hectare of vines devoted to the grape on their Murrumbateman property.
Meaty, dark sour cherry profile with sweeter raspberry, hints of sap and coal and a little suggestion of undergrowth. Fascinating wine on the nose, quite complex really. There is a pleasing dryness on the palate and some stemmy tannins feature (5% whole bunch) along with fully integrated acidity, cola and cinnamon spice. Mushrooms linger on the finish.
The wine is showing some developed notes and is a world away from so many fruit sweet pretenders that sit under the $20 mark. After my initial tasting I enjoyed this with a simple mushroom fettucine. As I suspected, it showed its best with food. A good thing.
Winery Website- http://quarryhill.com.au/