Category Archives: Pinot Noir et al

2014 De Bortoli La Boheme Act Two Rosé

The label reads Pinot Noir Rosé. The blend is 86% Pinot Noir with Grenache, Gris and Syrah making up the balance. Full malo, 100% cask ferment, a bit of lees. Musky and slightly earthen aromas mingle with strawberries, rose petals and … Continue reading

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2002 Bollinger R.D.

This release marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Bollinger R.D. (recently disgorged). The wine sits on lees for a far longer period of time than any other Bollinger champagne with the concept of “combining a very long period of aging on lees with recent … Continue reading

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2004 Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé

The La Grande Année Rosé 2004 is made up of 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay with a small amount of Côte aux Enfants still red wine in the mix. The oxidative traits are clearly apparent here but they present … Continue reading

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2004 Bollinger La Grand Année

Interesting to attend a Bollinger masterclass/lunch so shortly after a similar event for Billecart-Salmon. Completely different house styles, one Pinot dominant and with a strong oxidative theme and the other Chardonnay dominant with a focus on acidity and purity of fruit … Continue reading

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2002 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth Brut Rosé

Tasted alongside the most recent assemblage of the NV Rosé which also impressed. This possessed far greater depth and impact though, without a corresponding loss of freshness. Equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with 8g/l residual sugar. Sourced entirely from … Continue reading

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2008 Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut

Brown Brothers have sold the Whitlands vineyard in the King Valley. It’s the site that has always produced the grapes for this wine and with great success in the past. A blend of 79% Pinot Noir and 21% Chardonnay with … Continue reading

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Howard Park Jeté Sparkling Rosé NV

It’s early days for Howard Park’s venture into sparkling wines. They’re sourcing their grapes from the Great Southern region – Mount Barker in this case. Base wines are fermented in both stainless steel and used French oak. 98% Pinot Noir … Continue reading

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2013 De Bortoli La Boheme Act Two Dry Pinot Rosé

I do like the La Boheme Pinot Rosé but I miss the Estate version which I don’t believe has been made since the 2011 vintage. A matter of market demand? This is fermented in small casks using indigenous yeasts and … Continue reading

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2012 Thousand Candles

From the same Syme vineyard in the Yarra Valley as the 2011. About 70% Pinot, 25% Shiraz says William Downie. Not sure what the other 5% is. A lot more structure than the 2011. It’s built, that much is clear. … Continue reading

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2009 Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir

A dry, minerally line and length take on Australian sparkling wine with fruit sourced from the Ducks Lane vineyard in Seville, Coombe Farm in Coldstream and Dalry Road in Healesville. It’s a blend of 74% Chardonnay and 26% Pinot Noir … Continue reading

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