2020 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir

Sourced from several locations in the Great Southern region, the fruit for this Pinot was fermented using a combination of wild fermentation and selected yeasts. Maturation took place in 1-3 year old French oak barrels for 6 months. Following on from the 2019 vintage, 2020 was another very low yielding year, the Great Southern region experiencing its driest winter and spring in 100 years. These dry conditions continued throughout Summer until good rainfalls in February provided much needed moisture. Compensating the low crop levels was fruit of exceptional quality.

Ad Hoc’s Cruel Mistress continues its run of hot form, making it one of the best value Pinots out there.

Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a bright light red hue. Alluring and highly fragrant the nose offers up aromatics of violets, dark cherry and strawberry which intermingle with hints of anise, forest floor and spicy cedar. Making a supple entrance onto the palate are delicious dark cherry and ripe strawberry fruits which are carried by an excellent power wave. Notions of anise, vanillin cedar, forest floor and spicy dried clove flow onto the back half. Silky tannins combine with ample freshness to form a long intensely flavoured finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%