It’s fair to say I haven’t been as critical of the rain affected 2011 South East Australian vintage as many others. Having said that, it was a tough year (the Hunter Valley aside) and only the better producers have made a good fist of it. While Pyren Vineyards might not score as highly with their 2011 releases, what they have accomplished marks them, yet again, as a producer to watch.
This is not a wine to open, pour and drink. It needs time to pull itself together. Initially the telltale vegetal notes of the season are prominent on the nose but with air they take a back seat to vibrant cherry and blackberry flavour. It’s spicy as all heck – heaps of cracked pepper – and brisk acidity slowly settles into the overall framework. Tannin is just ripe and feels very natural. There’s appreciable medium bodied charm here. 88 Good
Region: Pyrenees
Alcohol: 12.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $20
Tasted: March 2013