2013 William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir

2013 has delivered some of the best Aussie Pinots we've tasted in years. This is one to savour.

William Downie produces three top flight Pinots from what most would regard as Victoria’s best districts for the varietal – the Yarra Valley, Gippsland & Mornington Peninsula. Each is identified by a Reg Mombassa landscape painting on the label. In 2013, the Gippsland expression is the racehorse in the stable. This is classic Pinot from the outset with its semi translucent, bright dark red colour and dark crimson red hue. The nose is the most pronounced of the Downie trio with delightful, lifted ripe dark cherry and dark plum aromas combined with hints of strawberry and faint anise overlaying a background of toasty cedar and spice. The palate follows through delivering rich, powerful flavours of ripe dark cherry, plum and strawberry followed by traces of anise and some gamey / meaty notes, with the spicy, toasty cedar characteristics repeating on the finish. Satin-like texture and perfectly integrated tannins carry a superb power wave. Concludes prolonged with perfectly poised acidity and ripe dark cherry, plum, subtle anise, toasty cedar and spice flavours in the aftertaste. Truly outstanding. Everything you could ask for in Pinot Noir. This is one to savour.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 14%