Category Archives: Pinot Noir

2012 The Story Port Campbell Pinot Noir

The Story Wines have been producing a Pinot Noir since 2010 but this is the first time I’ve gotten around to tasting one of them. The 2012 release comes from a 15 year-old vineyard situated in Port Campbell on Victoria’s … Continue reading

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2012 Journey Wines Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

Sommelier turned winemaker Damien North is turning out some lovely gear at the moment – and this is only the second year the Journey Wines label has been up and running. With a background that includes stints at TarraWarra, Leeuwin Estate and … Continue reading

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2012 Hoddles Creek Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

Friendly price, serious Pinot. It’s not as immediately catchy as the 2012 Estate Chardonnay but after a stint in the cellar it may perform just as well. Or even better. Certainly needed three days to unveil itself. Opens a touch reductively, which … Continue reading

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2011 Toolangi Pinot Noir

It’s probably fair to say that I have more time for a lot of Yarra Valley 2011 reds than most other writers. Having made that point I think these wines are more for drinking than thinking and scoring. And I … Continue reading

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2012 Vinteloper Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

Hand-picked from 19 year-old vines, fermented in small open fermenters using indigenous yeasts. Sees ten months in one and two-year old French oak hogsheads. An open nose of cherries, undergrowth/vegetation, rhubarb, a number of grinds of pepper, sap and cinnamon. … Continue reading

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2012 Waipara Hills Pinot Noir

This is a nifty little Pinot Noir for the price. I’d be happy to drink a couple of glasses just about anytime and the price is right. Light-bodied and vital. Red cherries/berries, refreshing acidity, cola, wild herbs and black spice. … Continue reading

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2010 Main Divide Pinot Noir

The second label of Pegasus Bay and quite a step down in quality. It’s still a good wine if not one that suits my stylistic bent. Malteser oak, dark cherries and plums. Very ripe fruit matched to bubbly acidity that sits slightly … Continue reading

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2010 Henri Bourgogne Pinot Noir

There’s brett and then there’s BRETT. This has the latter. I’m not a technocratic wine reviewer. If a supposed “fault” doesn’t detract from a wine…or god knows even makes it more interesting I’m happy to go into bat for it. … Continue reading

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2012 William Downie Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir

To me, the least cohesive and the most standoff-ish of the three Downie Pinots as a youngster. It’s a touch boney, mostly elbows and knees for now. I have little doubt it will sort itself out over a few years … Continue reading

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2012 William Downie Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

Interesting to note that Bill Downie says he has “zero interest in Pinot Noir”. His fascination is with wine as place and memory. Variety as no more than a vehicle. This has the nimble and pretty character of the Yarra Valley … Continue reading

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