Sommelier turned winemaker Damien North is turning out some lovely gear at the moment – and this is only the second year the Journey Wines label has been up and running. With a background that includes stints at TarraWarra, Leeuwin Estate and some time in Oregon perhaps this shouldn’t be so surprising. The 2012 Pinot incorporates 20% whole bunches and is wild fermented. It sees 25% new oak (French barriques). All Upper Yarra Valley fruit.
Given time the stalky, sappy vegetal whole bunch notes acclimatise and provide a lifted floral and smoky perfume which is the perfect foil to the feline fruit flavours. High notes of strawberry and cherry with a bass line of plum and loganberries. Pepper, pastrami and earth add even more complexity and depth. Fine acidity moves seamlessly into textured tannin on a medium-bodied palate. Slinky and long. Will perform well over the next five years at least. 93 Very Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $34
Tasted: May 2013
Nice note Jeremy. Damien would be well-chuffed!
Hi Geoff,
Well-chuffed indeed!
Thanks for the kind words Jeremy.
Thanks Geoff. Love this and the 2012 Journey Wines Chardonnay. Damien’s already making a splash in the Yarra Valley I suspect…and that’s no mean feat these days.
Yes, the young bucks are coming from everywhere