From Sydney based Sommelier to assistant winemaker at TarraWarra, followed by a few vintages exploring Pinot Noir in Oregon before five years as winemaker for Leeuwin Estate - Damian North has certainly made his way around the traps. His appropriately named ‘Journey Wines’ label immediately impresses with a sense of confidence that isn’t always apparent in a set of first releases. The wines themselves are made at the Medhurst Winery in the Yarra Valley.
This Pinot is sourced from two vineyards in the cool Upper Yarra. It’s light and delicate in style as befits its sites and the vintage in which it was produced. Effusive and fragrant aromas of red cherries, strawberries, lavender and raspberry with a pinch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of rose-water. Flavours follow in due course; red fruits, rhubarb, sweet spice and sap. Glassy acidity is becoming and firm, stalky feeling tannin features strongly, adding form and texture. There’s not a lot of 2011 mulch-like character here and more depth than I’ve seen from many Yarra Pinots conceived in that year. Mind you, it’s not really about depth, power or intensity. A pretty wine that manages to avoid looking preppy. Much promise. 91 Good – Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $32
Tasted: October 2012