2007 Barratt The Reserve Pinot Noir

A serious effort from this tiny producer
Australia has definitively shown itself to be capable of producing high quality Pinot Noir, though the greatest examples stem from the truly cool climate regions. Adelaide Hills is one of these, and Lindsay Barratt is leading the way with his flagship Reserve wine. A former medico who has retired to pursue his Burgundy obsession, he sources most of the fruit from his tiny 'Uley Vineyard', (the remainder from the younger 'Bonython' site).

It's the former, planted in 1983, which is now paying dividends (great Pinot Noir needs to be produced from mature vines - flavour is not fully developed in younger vineyards). After about one year in a combination of new and old French oak, Lindsay selects a Reserve wine from the best barrels, though the Uley fruit tends to make the majority contribution.

Pinot is never easy, particularly in such a challenging area

Semi translucent crimson red colour with brick red mauve hue. The nose is quite perfumed with lifted aromas of violets, dark cherry and a hint of anise followed by some spice notes. The palate displays superb concentration and power wave with flavours of dark cherry, spice and anise followed by some spicy cedar and game back palate flavours. Excellent length. Velvet smooth perfectly integrated tannins with very long aftertaste of spice, anise and dark cherry.
Cellar 3-4 years (2013-2014)
Alc 14.0%