2012 Curly Flat Pinot Noir

Unequivocally the best set of Releases from Curly Flat proving what a stellar vintage 2012 was

There's no doubting Curly Flat have produced some stunning wines over the years, but in 2012 they've raised the bar higher again. And it shouldn't come as a surprise for those who have followed their journey. The meticulous vineyard management of recent years has paid off handsomely in the near perfect 2012 growing season. Consecutive years of good rainfall, optimal heat accumulation during the year, being never too cool nor too hot, and low disease risks all combined for a stress free harvest and some of the purest wines they have ever produced.

And this purity, elegance and focus is seen at all levels in 2012. While the Williams Crossing wines are often viewed as the value wines in the range, they're so much more than that. All grapes, batches and barrels are treated as potential Curly Flat, and it's not until a year after harvest during barrel selection the decision is made as to which label the wine best belongs. Both the 2012 Williams Crossing Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay are substantial wines, pure and balanced - fantastic expressions of each varietal.

But it's the quality seen in the flagship Curly Flat wines that's truly outstanding, easily up there with the best they've made. The Pinot Noir has a persistence and depth that's rarely seen, and the Chardonnay could easily be mistaken for a top White Burgundy. In short, these wines may come as a revelation to those parochial / Burgundy-only types, (as they have been for several European wine writers). For those who are conscientious seekers of the very best in Pinot and Chardonnay being produced in the Southern Hemisphere today, you simply cannot afford to pass on Curly Flat in 2012.

An outstanding Curly Flat Pinot that's arguably their best yet.

Semi translucent dark red colour with a light crimson red hue. Perfumed aromas of violets and dark cherries are intermixed with hints of anise followed by some meaty game like characters and subtle spicy cedar. Light on it’s feet the palate possesses all the attributes one looks for in great Pinot Noir - beautiful richness, a well rounded supple mouthfeel and an outstanding power wave. Mouthfilling flavours of perfectly ripened dark cherries, violet infusions and dark strawberries are underpinned by some subtle anise, meaty characters and spicy cedar. Magnificent persistence and depth. Velvet smooth perfectly integrated tannins with a long savoury conclusion of ripe dark cherries, violet infusions, meaty characters and spicy cedar that will leave you wanting more.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 14.2%

Other Reviews….
Estate-grown; open-fermented, 4% whole bunches, three-day cold soak, wild yeast, 20 days on skins, French oak (25% new) for 20 months. The bright crimson colour and fragrant bouquet lead into a supple, full-fl avoured (cherry/plum/ spice) palate with immaculate length and balance. Will stand tall against its forebears.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion