1997 Prince Albert Pinot Noir

This estate was first established in 1857 and continued to produce Pinot until 1882. Bruce Hyatt, a local engineer fell in love with Pinot, (probably over a set of working drawings late one night) and reestablished this tiny 2 ha vineyard entirely to Pinot Noir in 1975 - (that was quite radical in those days, and probably until recently was the only 100% single varietal vineyard in Australia). The early Pinot Noirs were received with high praise, and then came an unexplained dip in concentration and quality. Bruce Hyatt had to learn in a hurry, and as such brought a young Burgundian winemaker to Australia. Hyatt apprenticed himself to the Frenchman for a couple of years. The result is that the wine has a distinct Burgundian character.The pickers tell us that the 1997 vintage was a cracker from the start - the berries smaller and more concentrated than the 1996. The deep crimson colour and concentrated flavour were apparent from the outset. Magnificent colour, one of the best Pinot Noir colours to be seen anywhere! Concentrated cherry spice nose with subtle troncais oak overtones, followed by a gamy end note. A nose with distinct Pinot character. On the palate cherry, strawberry, spice and troncais oak flavours combine to create a complex, early flavour experience that will continue to build over the next 3-5 years. The flavour starts to emerge quietly and slowly builds and remains prominent long onto the aftertaste. Excellent length with velvet smooth texture and tannin structure, followed by a very long cherry, liquorice aftertaste. Stocks are extremely limited.