One of the reasons winemaker Dave Bicknell gives for the improvement in Oakridge Pinot Noir over time is having reliable access to the same vineyards. A lot of chopping and changing made the task at hand difficult in earlier days. The winery is now taking about 70% of the fruit from the Lusatia Park vineyard, 50% of the fruit from Willowlake and feel that they have the Funder & Diamond Vineyard “pretty much locked up.” These will be their focal sites over the coming years.
The Lusatia Park Pinot possesses a signature lightness of being combined with a strong yet fine line of acidity. It is the most linear of the 2012 Local Vineyard Series reds. Once again the fruit is in the red spectrum, both cherries and berries. Spiced orange peel and a savoury, leafy finish. That agile acidity forms the crux of the architecture but there’s a decent lick of tannin. It’s something Bicknell is working towards, feeling that Yarra Pinot Noir benefits from a “tannin girdle for shape.” 94
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.1%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $38
Tasted: October 2013