1998 Paringa Estate PE Pinot Noir

The bargain of the PE Range. McCall has used the same wine making techniques that he employs on his premium Pinot Noir. 20% of the grapes were whole bunched pressed, with some of the grapes undergoing pre fermentation maceration and barrel fermentation. The acid was reduced by putting the wine through a malolactic ferment, with barrel maturation for a short time only in old Troncais oak casks. The vines are younger and the wine does not have the depth or power of the Paringa Estate first label, but none the less, a very impressive under $20 Pinot - at long last we can hear you say!Medium weight, ruby crimson colour. The nose is filled with cherry, spice, strawberry and some toasted aromas - no mistaking the varietal. The palate has plenty of flavour, again excellent varietal character, with cherry/strawberry flavours dominant and just a hint of earthy/game on the finish. Fine grained, soft well balanced tannins, followed by long cherry, spice and toasted oak aftertaste. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.