The Hillcrest Road vineyard is where things all began in a practical sense for Dan Buckle and Aaron Drummond’s Circe wine project. It was planted in 1993 in the red volcanic basalt soils of the Red Hill district. The first release of the Pinot was from the 2010 vintage and this third iteration is as good as the wine has ever looked. A darker hue than the standard Circe Pinot with greater depth. It is thought-provoking yet strikingly beautiful.
Profondo rosso. Dark red cherries, rose-water and black raspberry fruits are joined by a sublime note of blueberry. Undergrowth, cedar and pine add an evocative edge. The aforementioned depth is almost unsettling given how nimble it is on the palate; the architecture so meticulous – softly rippling tannins and lingering acidity are woven together with fastidious purpose. Savoury. A touch of tea leaf on the finish. A wine to spend the night with. I have every reason to believe it will improve over the next few years. 94+
Region: Mornington Peninsula
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $60
Tasted: July 2013
Nice review Jeremy. And cute photo too; here is a photo from the day we helped pick the 2012 Hillcrest Road vineyard – 6 of each pinot just arrived so looking forward to trying.
Thanks Troy – and a very cool photo. I may have the opportunity to visit the vineyard later this year with Dan if everything pans out. Would have loved to taste the fruit before ferment. Let me know what you think when you crack a bottle.