Here I am, about halfway through tasting the new releases from Medhurst and I stumble upon a stack of information that winemaker Matt Steel has included for my perusal. None of it alters my perception of the wines but it’s relevant, comprehensive and illuminating. What it’s not is press release spin. And that’s always been the case when it comes to the auxiliary information he’s provided. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Serious gear this. Savoury and earthen with a wicked streak of stony minerality and a good cut of acidity. In point of fact, the architecture of the wine is built around that lattice-like acidity with barely any tannin involved. Often such a structural bent would bother me in a Pinot. I do like my tannin and I think the variety benefits from it when it is intelligently worked into the overall make-up. Here though, I have no complaints. Over three days of tasting it has held the flavours in good stead, delivering them with precision and focus. An espresso edge through the line is a bit too prominent for my liking but I enjoy the integrated bitter herbal thread which winds through the sour cherries. Clarity and length are impressive. There’s some class on show for sure. 91
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $38
Tasted: August 2013