No TarraWarra Reserve Estate Pinot Noir made in 2011 due to the difficult conditions. Instead they’ve gone for a single block release sourced from their original Pinot plantings in 1983. The H-Block is dedicated entirely to the MV6 clone and, apparently, is normally the backbone of the Reserve wine. Interesting to see it by itself then. Distilled terroir.
Pretty aromas. Sour cherry, rose petals, raspberry and a bit of undergrowth. It’s light-ish in body but puts on weight and really begins to express itself with a bit of time in the decanter. High quality oak is present but never oversteps the mark. Love the architecture here. Fine acidity with tactile, sandy tannin subtley churning underneath the fruit. Opens with a burst of red berry flavour before savoury characters provide a well-balanced counterpoint. Pepper over Asian spice. There’s an understated plum bass note and the wine possesses more depth than many 2011 Yarra Valley releases. Still shows a lot of finesse and daintiness. Fascinating and rather delicious. 92 Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: April 2013