Idiosyncratic Pinot Noir with swagger. 100% whole bunch, wild ferment, ten months in older barriques. Fruit from a coastal site outside Warrnambool. Winemaker Rory Lane says “there’s a tarriness to the reds from here that I reckon is soil derived”; dark brown/black volcanic ash and small basaltic rocks for topsoil and sandy, shelly and limestone subsoil.
Black earth, coal and rhubarb sit alongside sour cherries, ripe berries and sap. It’s spicy in all kinds of ways. Serious and savoury with solid tannic grip. Smoked meats and gun flint. Busy, busy wine. It handles the whole bunches really well and doesn’t have much in the way of vegetal characters. I like its gait. 93
Region: Henty
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: November 2013
Sounds pretty alright to me.
He’s doing alright with Pinot is Rory. The 2012 The Story Portland Pinot is sold out I think (or at least there’s not much left). This has even more character for my money. Once again, not much made. About 60 cases from memory…
I’m not sure I could bring myself to drink Portland wine, too many negative associations with the place. I best get on and buy some of this.
never fear Keira, it’s from Port Campbell, not Portland. Bout 100kms further east. Although I have made a little pinot from Drumborg this year, which is close to Portland.
Ouch, yes. Apologies, I was watching NBA highlights as I replied. FWIW the Portland Trailblazers have a promising young team who deserve the success they’ve had this year. I’m not sure how big basketball is in Port Campbell but if anyone plays the game there I wish them all the best.
their local team is the apostles. quite promising also i hear.
I’m sorry, I just can’t barrack for a team called ‘The Apostles”…
Huge relief Rory
Stupid land formation joke…