The only other Australian Pinot Meunier based table wine I’ve sampled has come from Nat White at Main Ridge Estate. Apparently his vines come from Best’s cuttings. Given Best’s success with the variety I am slightly surprised that more producers haven’t explored its potential.
Two versions exist, a young vine and this Old Vine expression which is only made in vintages which are deemed to have produced good enough fruit – 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2011 of late. It’s a single block wine sourced from plantings dating back to 1867 and this release contains 15% Pinot Noir. Expressive aromatically with a bouquet of red cherries, sap, black and brown spice, restrained florals and a hint of chocolate. Medium-bodied at most and fleet of foot with a line of fine, hustling acidity and some delightfully dusty tannin. A delicate wine and although the structural edifice may not seem overly profound history tells us that it has every chance of evolving into something even more special. Incidentally it was served alongside the 1988 vintage which retained primary fruit and vivid purple flowers despite having developed captivating tertiary characters and sublime textural presence. 93+
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $60
Tasted: February 2014
My son and I tried an older vintage at the winery back in December and it had a very prominent aroma of roasted capsicum. Really unusual. No hint of this in the one you tried?
Not that I could see in this one Bob. I’ve had one other vintage from the 80′s and didn’t notice it then either but that doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t there. Amazing complexity in both wines. Too much perhaps to sum up adequately in words.
There is another Pinot meunière that I am aware of.
Fikkers ‘Two Bricks’ from the Yarra Valley.
First made in 2013, refreshing early drinking style.
Cheers bespo
Thanks Bespo. I saw Anthony tweeting pictures of PM grapes coming in from the 2014 vintage. Wondered if he made one too.
Tried this recently – special connection that I have with the Grampians. Great wine, balanced between delicacy and subtle power. Has the rare feature of “allure” – you keep coming back and can’t pin it down.
Picking PM for red wine tomorrow as it happens. This is humbling.
DB
Making a Pinot Meunier DB? Exciting times ahead. I need to buy more of this and make sure I cellar a few bottles.