2003 Hurley Vineyard Homage Pinot Noir

This is only the third vintage from Kevin & Tricia Bell's Hurley Vineyards and they continue their impressive run of outstanding Pinot Noir. With only 9 acres under vine, production is tiny with 320 cases of the 2003 Hurley Vineyard Pinot Noir and only 75 cases of the 2003 Hurley Vineyard Homage Pinot Noir being made. Yields are kept to a very low 1.5 tonnes per acre or less. The fruit from the vineyards was 100% destemmed, not crushed and no whole bunches were included. Hurley Vineyard has moved further towards gravity winemaking. In 2003 the wines were racked from fermentation vat to holding tank by a slow must pump. All wine transfers thereafter, including bottling, were undertaken either by gravity or by air-pressure gently applied with a traditional Burgundian hand-pump. These methods were adopted to preserve, as far as possible, the supple texture of pinot noir. The wines were matured for 18 months in French barrels from the forests of Allier and Troncais, one quarter of which were new. They were bottled without fining or filtration. The 2003 vintage was climatically very warm resulting in rich full bodied opulent Pinots.

Kevin Bell has produced a mere 75 cases of this excellent Pinot. The colour is remarkably deep for Pinot – verging on being opaque – black crimson. The nose is quite pronounced with distinct varietal character, and shows greater lift than its companion wine. Aroma of violets, strawberry, cherry jam, toasted oak and spice. Mouthfilling palate with beautiful silky texture and velvet smooth tannins. Toasted oak, black cherry, spice and liquorice flavours are evident. The Pinot power wave begins to build and should develop much further with time. Long aftertaste of liquorice, toasted oak, spice and cherry. Extremely Limited Stocks.

Cellar 4-5 years (2009-2010)

Alc/Vol: 15.1%

Other Reviews.....
Even greater richness and depth than the varietal, the even higher alcohol (15.1%) making its statement. Very long, warm finish; black fruits and spice throughout; 75 cases made.
RATING 95
'James Halliday - 2006 Australian Wine Companion'