2014 By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir

The Sangreal Vineyard is the oldest planting (1994) on a north-facing slope of red ironstone on the surface going to limestone to bluestone below. The rows run north to south, gaining full sun exposure throughout the day and resulting in prettier, more perfumed wines. It’s always the first vineyard to be harvested and is consistently made with 60 to 70% whole bunch and aged in new oak for 18 months.

Deep dark red colour with a tinge of black around the outskirts and a bright dark red hue. Intense aromatics of spicy ripe dark cherries infused with clove are followed by some dark plum and faint anise with dried meats and spicy toasty oak nuances also evident. Also lighter than recent vintages but lacking nothing in terms of power the palate is layered with a savoury flavour profile of dark cherries, a hint of sour cherries, spicy plums, clove infusions, toasty cedar and dried meats with the spiciness persisting right through to the back palate. Very fine grained, velvet like tannins with an elegant mouthfeel and fresh finish. Long aftertaste of spicy dark and sour cherries, subtle clove, some meatiness and lightly toasted spicy cedar.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 13%

Other Reviews….
Clones 114 and 115 planted '94, believed to have mutated into a single 'Sangreal' clone. Always made with 50-70% whole bunches, and 60-70% new oak maturation for 18 months. Typical bright, deep hue; the bouquet exudes flowers (roses, violets), spices and a throbbing heartbeat of gently savoury dark fruits; the palate magically twists all these characters into a single silver-coated stream of red and blue fruits, the tannins no more than background haze, oak a slender frame. A gorgeous pinot of the highest category. Drink by 2024.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion