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Pinot Noir
While we continue to expand our collection of Burgundies, more and more new-world winemakers are coming to terms with this challenging variety. Australians have identified Geelong, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria as suited to premium Pinot Noir. More recently, Tasmania has shot up the ranks. Mount Mary, Farr Rising and Tolpuddle are names to seek out. New Zealand is also producing some compelling, full bodied wines. Look for regions like Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago.
- 2023 Eck Wines Doug's Pinot NoirMacedon Ranges, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 13.2%Closure: Diam Cork
ECK Wines is the work of Emily C. Kinsman, a former Collins Street lawyer who traded city life for winemaking in Central Victoria. Since her first vintage in 2019, Emily has grown organically farmed Shiraz on the northern banks of Lake Eppalock while also producing négociant wines under her ECK label. In 2024, she expanded to a remarkable 5-acre Macedon Ranges vineyard, planted in 1987 to Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at 800m altitude. Her wines reflect both place and passion—crafted with love, hope, and no small measure of hard work.
The 2023 Doug’s Pinot Noir is a rare expression of Macedon Ranges fruit, sourced from Doug’s vineyard in the cool sub-region of Romsey. Planted in the 2000s at 530m on a north-facing basalt slope, the site is home to a mix of MV6, 114, and 115 clones, producing fruit of purity and finesse.
Hand-picked on April 26, the grapes were vinified with a mix of techniques—whole bunch and whole berry ferments in amphora, alongside de-stemmed fruit fermented in open vats with daily plunging. After pressing, the wine matured for 14 months in seasoned French oak barriques and amphora, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered in December 2024.
Alc. 13.2% -
- 94
2024 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot NoirPemberton, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinThe Pemberton region in Western Australia is renown for it’s Pinot Noir. Winemaker Larry Cherubino utilises his local knowledge and relationships with growers to consistently produce the Cruel Mistress Pinot at a level that delivers exceptional value for money.
Fruit 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.Consistently one of the country’s best value Pinots, the Cruel Mistress once again delivers the goods.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Showing good aromatic lift, the nose offers up dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb scents followed by some dried herb, bramble and spicy earth notes. A supple flow of cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours are layered across the delicious palate with impressive intensity. Lying underneath are notions of anise, spicy cedar, dried herb and subtle earthy bramble elements. Polished tannins with a long juicy finish that’s quite moreish. Delivers the goods yet again – fantastic value.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 94
- Reduced
2015 Ada River Pinot NoirGippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $29.99$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA nicely aged Pinot that’s silky and savoury.
Semi translucent bright red colour with a light brick red tinged hue. Spicy rhubarb, cherry and strawberry scents show ample fragrance out of the glass followed by forest floor, dried herb and bramble notes. Delicious cherry and strawberry fruits make a silken entrance with notions of rhubarb, dried herbs, forest floor and spicy bramble highlighted across the back half. Nicely powered it has polished tannins and a long supple finish that shows some spice.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 93
2024 Airlie Bank Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA delicious, supplely textured Pinot with a savoury medium to long finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. The nose offers up a fragrant bouquet of violets, cherries, strawberries and dried herbs which are followed by bramble, forest floor and spicy clove notes. Delicious cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours supplely kiss the palate mixing with dried herb, bramble and spice elements along the way. Polished tannins with a savoury medium to long finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Aloft Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA juicy entry level Pinot that has a slightly tangy finish.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Fragrant violet, dark cherry and strawberry aromas escape from the glass followed by some anise, dried herb and forest floor notes. Juicy dark cherry, strawberry and anise flavours flow supplely across the front half of the palate. Bright acidity lends freshness with infusions of herbs and spice also evident. Polished tannins with a slightly tangy finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 95
- 93
2022 Amisfield Pinot NoirCentral Otago, NEW ZEALAND$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA ripe, fleshy medium bodied Central Otago Pinot.
Includes approximately 15% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French barriques for a period of 15 months. Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Intense dark cherry, anise, strawberry and violet scents engulf the olfactory senses trailed by some spicy vanillin cedar, earth and dried herb notes. Ripe and fleshy, the medium bodied palate is layered with spicy dark cherry, anise, dark plum and strawberry flavours. Vanillin cedar, scorched earth and dried herb elements lie underneath. Polished yet sturdy tannin structure with a long spicy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews……
Aromas of dark cherries, dried strawberries, iodine, potpourri and river stones. The medium-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and bright acidity. Tightly wound with a powerful undertone that will unravel nicely in bottle. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Anti Heroes Coola Road Pinot NoirMt Gambier, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinLight and supple with a savoury finish that shows plenty of spice.
Fermented with a small proportion of whole bunches and matured in French oak (10% new). Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Top notes of spicy dried clove are joined by red to dark cherry, winter strawberry, rhubarb and subtle graphite like notes. Light and supple upon entry with red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits to the fore. Rhubarb, brambly cedar and spicy dried clove elements sit in the background. Polished tannins with a savoury finish that shows plenty of spice.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 94
2024 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA rich medium bodied Pinot that has a long, structured yet savoury finish.
Totally opaque black dark red core with a purple red tinged hue. Spicy dark to black cherry and liquorice aromas infused with a mix of graphite and dried herb like notes spiral out of the glass. Some brambly rhubarb notes are also evident. Rich and quite lush, the medium bodied palate is flooded with dark to black cherry, anise and ripe strawberry flavours. Earthy graphite, bramble and spicy dried herb characters lurk underneath. Excellent power with a sturdy tannin framework and bright acidity that leans into a long, ripe, structured yet savoury finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Arfion Spring Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2026-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinSpicy rhubarb, cherry, dried herb, clove and forest floor flavours with a supple mid palate feel and tangy finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Aromas of cherry, rhubarb and clove spring out of the glass followed by some bramble, forest floor and spicy dried herb notes. Spicy rhubarb, cherry and dried herb flavours are joined by clove and forest floor elements. Supple mid palate feel with polished tannins and a spicy amaro like tang to the finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13% -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Artis Single Vineyard Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.4%Closure: StelvinLight and elegant with modest length to the finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Pretty violet, red cherry and red liquorice aromas drift out of the glass followed by some fresh herb and delicate spicy earth notes. Light and elegant the palate features juicy red cherry and cranberry fruits which meld into subtle spicy cedar and forest floor elements. Fine grained tannins and fresh acidity with modest length to the finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.4% -
- 94
- 94
- 94
2024 Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot NoirMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinJuicy, fresh and supplely textured with a long moreish finish.
Ata Rangi rate the 2024 vintage as arguably the best they have seen in the last 45 years.
Vibrant red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a bright red purple hue. A perfumed mix of violet, strawberry, raspberry and subtle anise scents greet the nostrils with whiffs of clove, forest floor and spicy cedar also evident. Juicy and fresh, cherry, strawberry, red plum and anise flavours drive the palate with notions of clove, earth and spicy cedar the undercard. Supplely textured, it’s amply powered and has a long moreish finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
Perfumed and pretty, showing the quality of the beautiful 2024 vintage. Aromas of sliced oranges and strawberries. Some crushed stones. Medium body, firm tannins and crunchy fruity at the end. Linear and bright. Drink now.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com“The 2024 vintage: arguably the best in 45 years we have been growing grapes”, say Ata Rangi.
Well, it’s a terrific release of this wine. It has perfume, spice, a slight wet earthy bass, raspberry and cherry. It’s medium-bodied, has some juiciness and dark red fruits, a slight liquorice root thing, crisp ‘mineral’ acidity, a tight graphite and slate feel to tannin, with a bright finish offering some blood orange and spice. Gee, this has some energy and it drinks a charm. Drink 2025-2034+
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 96
- 94
- 94
- Organic
2022 Ata Rangi Pinot NoirMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 15 Years (2025-2040)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA more supple and openly textured Ata Rangi that retains the labels hallmark power and structure.
Only fruit, from the oldest parcels of vines at Ata Rangi makes it into this wine. The fabled Abel clone, allegedly smuggled from Burgundy in the mid-70s, makes up 40% of the blend. Incorporates 40% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French oak (30% new) for a period of 11 months.
Red to dark red core with black shaded edges and a red hue. Perfumed aromatics with violet, ripe dark cherry and strawberry scents trailed by some fresh herb, subtle anise, forest floor and delicate spicy cedar notes. Rich, powerful and expansive yet relatively light on it’s feet, the mid weighted palate is flooded with juicy red to dark cherry, strawberry, red plum and subtle anise flavours. Infusion of fresh herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar unfold across the back half. Outstanding length and depth with seamlessly integrated tannins and fine acidity. More supple and openly textured than recent releases it finishes long and spicy.
Drink over the next 10-15 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
Stunning and captivating, the wine shows dark berry, warm spice, porcini, and toasted almond characters with an elegant floral overtone. The palate is equally enticing with outstanding concentration and depth, combined with silky flow and beautifully infused fine tannins, making it wonderfully structured with finesse and sophistication. Gorgeously proportioned and harmonious with a sustained, graceful finish. At its best: 2027 to 2042.
98 Points
Sam Kim – Wine OrbitThe 2022 Pinot Noir is lighter than the 2020 and softer than the 2021. In 2022, the decision was made not to release any single-vineyard wines "because they didn't express the character that we were hoping for in that vintage," says Winemaker Helen Masters. On the nose, there's white strawberry, cherry, pomegranate pearls and even a hint of raspberry leaf. In the mouth, the wine is pink peppercorn, open and yet compact, open-weave without being loose. There's clarity. It's lovely. The best fruit from the three single vineyards and the older estate vineyards make up this wine, yet the overall volume of the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir remains the same. Interesting to note that in 2023, there was no Ata Rangi 2023 made; all of the fruit flowed to the Crimson cuvée, the first time in the estate's 39 years. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2037.
94+ Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine AdvocateA tight and focused Ata Rangi with sliced strawberries and hints of white pepper and minerals. It’s medium-bodied, crisp and fresh, with light wet earth and fresh mushroom undertones to the fruit. This has verve. Drink or hold.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Balgownie Black Label Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinLight, elegant and supple with a savoury red fruited finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black shaded edges and a light red hue. Pretty aromas of violet, red to dark cherry, subtle anise, rhubarb, bramble and spice are expelled from the glass. Light, elegant and supple, juicy red cherry and strawberry fruits are featured over delicate spicy cedar and forest floor characteristics. Polished tannins with a fresh feel to the savoury red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 90
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Bannockburn 1314 Pinot NoirGeelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA very bunchy and spicy Pinot that has a bitey feel.
Dark red in colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Emitting a strong whole bunch influence, spicy dried clove aromas are to the fore with some dark cherry, rhubarb, smoked meat and peppered earth notes also evident. Savoury red to dark cherry, rhubarb and strawberry flavours meld into a dried clove, spicy capsicum and earth back drop. Fine grained tannins and lively acidity with a very spicy finish that has a bitey feel to it.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
A blend of estate fruit planted in 1976, 1997 and 2004. 25% whole bunches and 20% new oak. A pleasing crimson red. The whole bunches announce themselves the moment you pick up the glass. Aromas of tea rose and bramble together with some spiced cherries and raspberries lead onto the moreish and flavourful palate. This also has the structure to see this become softer and more complex over the next 3–4 years.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 96
- 95
- 94
- Organic
2024 Bannockburn Pinot NoirGeelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinIntense but bunchy nose with a rich, supple palate that finishes long and expansive.
This release brings together Bannockburn’s entire spectrum of Pinot vineyards. The 2024 includes fruit from Olive Tree Hill, planted in 1976, 10 Rows (1991), Stuart Block (1997), Anns Block (2004) and the close-planted De La Terre block planted in 2007. All the sites lie in volcanic loam and dark clay over a limestone base and are planted to various clones, mainly MV6 with a smattering of the Dijon (or Bernard) clones. Fruit from each block fermented separately, with approximately 20% bunches included and a small portion undergoing carbonic maceration. The wine was pressed to hogsheads and puncheons (25% new) for 10 months’ maturation.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. The nose is intense but at the same time very bunchy with dried clove infused aromas of dark cherry and strawberry trailed by some smoked meat, forest floor and spicy dried herb notes. Rich supple dark cherry and strawberry fruits are seductively layered across the palate with complexing elements of dried clove, bramble, rhubarb, smoked meat, forest floor and spice lending further interest. Concentrated and powerful it has polished tannins. Lingering through the long expansive conclusion are dried clove and spicy smoked meat characters.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
From vines planted between '76 and '07; 20% whole bunches and 25% new oak. A light, bright cherry red. Red fruited, with wild hedgerow, roses and a melange of spices. This is really lifted and perfumed on the bouquet. Light to medium bodied, this builds nicely across the palate with superfine and persistent tannins and bright acidity, giving the wine both structure and length. I can see this filling out very nicely over the next few years. Drink 2025-2033.
95 points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Wine CompanionAll the herbs and spices, of course, but the shells of nuts, woodsmoke, a chicory element and whispers of both black coffee and black tea, all of which swirl around sound, sure-footed cherry-berry fruit flavours. This wine is as complex as it is assured, its sinewy tannin finessed into place, its flavours cascading out through the finish. This will age beautifully, and is best consumed with at least another few years under its belt. Drink 2027-2033+
94+ Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front -
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Bass River 1835 Pinot NoirGippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2024-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinIncludes 15% whole bunch with maturation taking place in French oak (10% new) for a period of 10 months. Semi translucent ruby red colour with a light red tinged hue. Spicy red cherry, rhubarb and dried clove aromas intermingle with forest floor and brambly cedar notes. Delicious red to dark cherry and spicy rhubarb flavours are layered across the palate with a supple feel. Dried herb, forest floor and brambly cedar characters ensue. Good underlying freshness with polished tannins and a savoury finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 92
2024 Bellvale Pinot NoirGippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinSupplely textured, savoury and spicy.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a rustic red hue. Nosing offers up spicy aromas of red to dark cherry, rhubarb, bramble and dried herbs. Supplely textured, savoury and spicy, the palate features red cherry and rhubarb fruits over a dried herb, clove and bramble back drop. Polished tannins with lively acidity well concealed by the wines pillowy feel. Spicy bramble and dried herb infused finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13% - 2023 Bellvale Pinot Noir - Last StocksGippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Stelvin
Established in 1998, Bellvale Wine is a family-owned business run by winemaker, viticulturalist (and former pilot) John Ellis. Dry grown, low yielding vineyard situated in the lush Tarwin River valley of South Gippsland, one of Australia’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producing regions. Many International awards and accolades including the coveted James Halliday Wine Companion 5 Star Winery Rating. John’s fanatical hands-on, attention to detail approach to winemaking salutes his obsession with traditional methods used by premium winemakers in Burgundy, where he honed his craft over many years.
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- 96
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- 95
2024 Bicknell FC Applecross Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.4%Closure: StelvinComplex and powerful with a supple flow and long, moreish finish.
This Pinot is a blend from three blocks hand picked on the 1st of March and sorted with 20% whole bunches added to 80% whole berries for fermentation. After two weeks fermenting on skins it was pressed to a mixture of 500 Lt puncheons, 300L Lt hogsheads and 225 Lt barriques where it completed malo and rested on fine lees for 11 months prior to blending and bottling in late February 2025.
Semi translucent bright red core with dark red toned edges and a light red hue. Displaying admirable complexity and intensity, nosing offers up scents of red cherry, violet, strawberry, clove, forest floor, brambly cedar and spice. Delicious red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits are delivered with great power as they supplely flow across the palate. Lending further sophistication across the back half are notions of clove, rhubarb, brambly cedar, forest floor and spicy dried herbs. Fresh with velvety yet structured tannins, it concludes very long and moreish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.4%Other Reviews…..
From the old Lance's vineyard, planted from 1976–1998 (with a selection massale from Mount Mary) and in 2003. 80% whole berry and 20% whole bunch. Bright crimson. Perfumed with wild strawberries, first of the summer cherries, subtle rose bush and spice. The more you swirl the glass, the more fragrant it becomes. On the palate, there is a tender plushness, making it feel quite different to the previous Bicknell FC pinots from the Upper Yarra. Fine tannins and bright acidity round out a beautifully crafted and graceful wine. Drink by 2032.
96+ points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThe 2024 Applecross Pinot Noir is from a massal selection of clonal material planted between 1976 and 1998 at St. Andrews in the Yarra Valley. It was fermented with whole berries/whole bunches, and the élevage was in French oak barrels. This wine, a few months ahead of its market release currently, is so bright and perfumed. Rose, pistachio, graphite/petrichor, dry spice and tapenade coalesce on the palate in a rush. Pure, tightly wound and eminently focused, this is a gorgeous wine. The whole-bunch character rides high in the wine, but far from finding it distracting, I find myself attracted to it. This is super good and comes warmly recommended. 13.4% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2039.
95+ points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate -
- 96
- 98
2024 Bicknell FC Lance Close Planted Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 12.7%Closure: StelvinLight, expansive and supple with a fresh red fruited finish that shows plenty of spice.
Semi translucent red colour with a light red hue. Perfumed aromatics of violet, red cherry, dried herb and strawberry stream through the nostrils with notions of forest floor, bramble and spicy cedar lending further complexity. Light in body but expansive and supple, the palate is layered with delicious red cherry, strawberry and red liquorice fruits. Lying underneath are notions of forest floor, dried herbs, subtle rhubarb and spicy cedar. Energetic feel with polished tannins and a long, fresh red fruited finish that shows plenty of spice.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.7%Other Reviews….
From the Lance vineyard, planted to 8300 vines/ha in 1989; a vineyard that produced some of the Yarra's most coveted pinots in the 1980s. A light, very bright crimson red. Fragrant and even more pure fruited than the excellent Applecross pinot off the same vineyard. Aromas of alpine strawberries, redcurrants, bergamot and subtle floral notes precede the palate, which is simultaneously concentrated and light on its feet at the same time. Beautifully delineated and structured on the palate. This seriously good wine will open up and blossom over the next six to eight years at least. Drink by 2036.
98 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
2025 Brokenwood Pinot NoirBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinSupple and silky with juicy red to dark fruits and a complex savoury back drop.
Produced from Brokenwood’s Indigo Vineyard which is planted to three different clone types over different soils. Maturation took place in predominately used French oak barriques and puncheons for a period of 9 months. 30% whole bunch inclusion.
Semi translucent dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Perfumed nose with aromas of violet, red to dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb blossoming out of the glass. Forest floor, dried herb and spicy cedar notes follow on. Juicy dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruits flood the palate with brambly cedar, dried herb, forest floor and spice elements lending further complexity. Supple and silky, it possesses polished tannins, an understated power and ample freshness. Concludes long and savoury.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% - 2023 RP By Farr Pinot NoirGeelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam Cork
The initials RP stand for Robyn Pamela, Nick Farr’s mum and matriarch of the Farr family. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the Côte Vineyard, it’s a close-planted parcel on an exposed slope, with hillsides facing north, northeast and east comprising of the most suitable clones, rootstocks, trellising and management you’ll find on the Farr’s landscape. Fruit is handpicked and sorted in the vineyard, then fermented in an open-top fermenter. Between 40 to 50% of the fruit will be destemmed and then cold soaked for four days. Maturation takes place in 50 to 60% new Allier French oak barrels for 18 months.
Other Reviews....
The nose of this wine is endlessly complex, as the previous wines were, but it is more fully resolved. In that I mean it is riper, less herbal, softer and more fully formed. The wine makes you salivate, and is the very type of wine that helps define vinous descriptors like “peacocks tail”. In the abstract sense, these words, like so many others, seem like flummery, but the description comes from the sense of a broadening and greater intricacy, and indeed volume, that the wine exhibits. It is how the wine delivers more beauty towards the “end” of the palate, as it is swallowed. The RP is seamless. I can’t find anything to fault in the RP, it is luxurious and the zenith of Pinot Noir expression in my opinion.
Ben Knight - 2023 Tout Pres By Farr Pinot NoirGeelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam Cork
A touch over 2.5 acres, the Tout Pres vineyard has three individual soil types across a three-sided cirque (an amphitheatre-like valley head) that rises above the other vineyards. Each slope consists of a soil type. The largest slope is black volcanic soil of limestone, the second is quartz gravel mixed with red ironstone soil and the third, an iron strand in grey sandy loam. Being the most densely planted vineyard on the estate the soils and intense competition force the vines to work hard, resulting in fruit that is lush but masculine and provides the coveted structure found only in the most age worthy wines. Tout Pres is fermented with 100% whole bunches and is matured in 100% new Allier French oak.
Other Reviews....
Tout Pres always seems more delayed in how it reveals itself. This shyness most obvious in the nose, not least as that’s the first interaction you have with it. The wine always sits a little lower in the glass than the others, it feels just out of each. The palate gives more immediate notes of peppery spice, not pepper so much, but a prickly, tighter spice with a little more attack. There is a dried earthy note here, some cola, dark cocoa and black cherries. It feels almost brittle at times, certainly in its youth, but you wouldn’t mistake that for delicacy. It’s hard to describe it, but the wine is confident and deliberate, but there is something about this wine that is fragile too. The chalky texture of this wine, paired with the crisp yet fine acid, couldn’t be better. I imagine is this part of the wine gives that sense of fragility, it feels like the wine snaps on your tongue. I love it.
Ben Knight -
- 96
2023 Farrside by Farr Pinot NoirGeelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkPlanted in 2001 on a northeast-facing slope of dark volcanic soils over limestone, the Farrside vineyard produces a more structured and brooding style of Pinot Noir compared to its Sangreal counterpart. Hand-picked and wild-fermented, the fruit sees partial whole bunch inclusion before maturing in 50–60% new Allier oak.
The cooler conditions of 2023 delayed harvest by 10–12 days, adding freshness and poise to the wine’s muscular frame. Complex, savoury, and finely structured, Farrside balances intensity with elegance, delivering a wine of depth and longevity that will evolve beautifully in the cellar.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews....
A superb release; svelte, complex, polished and effortless at once. It presents a wild array but it’s so seamless that it’s hard to tell where one nuance ends and another takes up. Nuts, peppers, strawberries and cherries, leaf matter and woodsmoke. It feels like Spring and Autumn in one. Tannin brings spice, mineral, fruit and flowers; the aftertaste remains juicy as it delivers savoury, earthen extras. It’s the detail in the satin that makes this wine feel so exquisite. Drink 2025-2032+.
96 points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine FrontThe evolution of this site and wine is complexing, gone are the days of words being used like bold, brash and muscular. Now two decades of releasing the wine, the description is fine, vibrate and ethereal. This wine has a retained nose for the moment, but the mouthfeel is almost jubilant in comparison. Even against the Sangreal, this feels plush and luxurious. A soft creamy and varietal ripeness, all swirling around to deliver lots of pleasure. It’s texturally generous and provides a nice counterpoint to the tight, edgy flavours of spice and pepper that is Farrside.
Ben Knight -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Caela Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.2%Closure: StelvinA light, modestly concentrated Pinot that finishes fresh and elegant.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Nosing offers up aromas of red to dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb intertwined with forest floor, brambly cedar and spicy dried herb notes. Light and modest in it’s concentration, the palate features delicate red cherry and winter strawberry fruits over rhubarb and spicy dried herb characters. Fine grained tannins finishing fresh and elegant.
Drink over the next 2-3 years
Alc. 13.2% - 2022 Caledonia Australis Pinot NoirGippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenABV: 12.7%Closure: Stelvin
Caledonia Australis is dedicated to making small batches of handcrafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a sustainable manner. The vineyards, located in some of the coldest and wettest areas of mainland Australia, use mature plants closely spaced in nutrient-rich soil. The winemaking process focuses on preserving the richness and complexity derived from the demanding cultivation conditions.The Pinot Noir is usually processed with a 20 to 40-day skin contact, and natural fermentations occur without added substances. Before fermentation, there's a gentle soaking phase with hand plunging. The wines are aged for a long time (18-20 months) in French oak barrels (15% new, 15% second use, 70% older), followed by an extra three months of bottle aging before release.
- 2023 Caroline Morey Santenay RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$155. 00Bottle$1860.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Caroline Morey's Santenay Rouge hails from vines located in the lieu-dit of Le Chainey in the southern sector of Santenay quite high on the slope adjoining Permier Cru Grand Clos Rousseau, and is aged in 30% new barrels.
Other Reviews....
A medium ruby crimson with elegant red fruit on the nose. Two plots, with a tightness to the fruit, some tannins behind still. Virtually all destemmed for this cuvee. Red fruit returns behind. Drink from 2026-2029.
87-89 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Caroline Morey Chassagne-Montrachet RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$190. 00Bottle$2280.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Caroline sources her Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge from vines located just below the village in Les Chenes Les Pierres and Les Chambres, and is made with 35% whole bunches. Bottling occures in November after 12 months ageing in barrel to capture the freshness, and while a serious example it is often approachable young.
Other Reviews....
A discreet application of wood is present on the overtly pepper-inflected aromas of earthy and ripe dark berry scents along with a touch of the sauvage. The delicious, caressing and sappy flavors also contrast with the grippy, rustic and short finish. Once again, this robust effort is not particularly well-balanced and my guess, given the relatively easy-going mid-palate texture, is that this is not 'on form' today but may very well come together in time. With that said, for the moment it's pretty awkward. Drink through 2029+.
86-88 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThree plots. A little bit troubled but a slightly deeper crimson in any case. A respectable fruit weight despite the deliberate lightness of style, the tannins are present but not rustic, and the fruit flows well behind. Drink from 2027-2032.
88-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Caroline Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Magnum (1500ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Caroline sources her Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge from vines located just below the village in Les Chenes Les Pierres and Les Chambres, and is made with 35% whole bunches. Bottling occures in November after 12 months ageing in barrel to capture the freshness, and while a serious example it is often approachable young.
Other Reviews....
A discreet application of wood is present on the overtly pepper-inflected aromas of earthy and ripe dark berry scents along with a touch of the sauvage. The delicious, caressing and sappy flavors also contrast with the grippy, rustic and short finish. Once again, this robust effort is not particularly well-balanced and my guess, given the relatively easy-going mid-palate texture, is that this is not 'on form' today but may very well come together in time. With that said, for the moment it's pretty awkward. Drink through 2029+.
86-88 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThree plots. A little bit troubled but a slightly deeper crimson in any case. A respectable fruit weight despite the deliberate lightness of style, the tannins are present but not rustic, and the fruit flows well behind. Drink from 2027-2032.
88-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Caroline Morey Beaune Les Greves Rouge Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Other Reviews....
A notably more floral-suffused nose speaks mostly of red cherry, wild currant and warm earth. The sappy and seductively textured flavors possess solid punch and a subtle bead of minerality that adds a bit of verve to the equally dusty and firm if somewhat short finish. Again, I suspect that the abrupt finish is a phase that will eventually age out with a few years of cellaring. Drink through 2029+.
87-90 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundAnother palish crimson. Much less perfume than the Chassagne Champgains. A little more depth of vivid raspberry through the middle, firmer tannins and fair length. Drink from 2028-2034.
90-92 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Organic
2022 Carrick Unravelled Organic Pinot NoirCentral Otago, NEW ZEALAND$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA nicely fleshed, dark to black fruited Central Otago Pinot.
Certified organic. Dark red core with black toned edges and a dark to brick red hue. Nosing offers up aromas of ripe dark to black cherry and anise which are complimented by brambly cedar, dried herbs and spicy earth. Light to medium weight and nicely fleshed, dark to black cherry, dark plum and anise flavours are featured over a scorched earth, dried herb and spicy cedar background. Slightly grainy tannins with a spicy mid length finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
- 95
- 96
2023 Castle Rock Estate Pinot NoirPorongurup, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinFrom 30 year old vines. Bright dark red core with black toned edges and a vibrant light purple red hue. Fragrant violet, red cherry, strawberry and rhubarb scents blossom out of the glass followed by some dried herb, forest floor and subtle spicy cedar notes. Light in body the palate is decorated with juicy cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours. Forest floor, fresh herb and spicy cedar elements lie underneath. Vibrant acidity lends freshness. Polished tannins finishing long, elegant and savoury.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
Estate fruit, machine harvested and handpicked. 10 months on medium lees of which 25% was new oak and 15% whole bunch. Much like Champagne maisons hold their NV wine high and mighty, Castle Rock’s estate Pinot Noir sets the benchmark for quality. You’ll find preserved strawberries, wild hibiscus, dark cherries and notes of savoury wagyu bresaola. Torn rosemary, pine needle and bay leaf. Sweet blackberry wine gums and licorice root. Sappy tannins and a thread of straight shooting acidity. There is a chew to the red berried fruit and a nice crunch of pomegranate seed on the finish. A well rounded wine. Drink now and will cellar another 3-4 years. A perfect partner to black truffled scrambled eggs on sourdough. Drink 2024-2028.
96 Points
Shanteh Wale – WinePilot.com
A vivid, fine-boned and tightly wound pinot noir of exceptional length and persistence with vibrant, effusive perfume. Red cherry at the tarter end of the spectrum with twiggy wood notes, some faint eucalyptus, white pepper, mezcal spiciness and a sense of freshness overall. Tannins are lacy, ultra-fine and tighten the wine well. It's delicate, almost blink and you'll miss, but the filigree is all here. Drink by 2034.
95 points
Mike Bennie - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion -
- 90
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Catlin Pudding & Pie Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinMatured in French oak. Semi translucent bright red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Fragrant red cherry and strawberry scents drift from the glass followed by hints of rhubarb, dried herbs and brambly spice notes. Light in body delicious red cherry and strawberry fruits decorate the palate with a supple and elegant feel. Traces of rhubarb, infusions of fresh herbs and spice also chime in. Polished tannins with a fresh red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
From a relatively older vineyard located near Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. Wild-yeast fermented. A bright but pale ruby colour in the glass makes things easy on the eye. This lightness and vivacity are reflected strongly in the wine, decidedly fine-boned with refreshing red cherry, pomegranate juice and an almost watermelon/granite sweet tang rolling through. Very pretty pinot noir, delicate and thirst-quenching in a way. An attractive crunch to texture and good length seal the deal. It feels lithe and wildly appealing for its suggestion of early consumption, or dare we suggest direct from an ice bucket too. Drink by 2026.
93 Points
Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Cavedon Pinot NoirKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.8%Closure: StelvinLight, savoury and spicy featuring red fruits and an elegant mid length finish.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a light red to red hue. Fragrant nose with scents of violet, red to dark cherry and rhubarb flowing through the nostrils followed by some brambly dried herb and spice notes. Light, savoury and spicy the palate features red cherry and rhubarb flavours over a delicate cedar, dried herb and spice back drop. Fine grained tannins with an elegant mid length finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.8% -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Chain of Ponds Section 400 Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA light, savoury Pinot with a modest finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet, cherry and strawberry scents are trailed by some rhubarb, bramble and spicy dried herb notes. Light in weight, cherry and rhubarb fruits are featured over bramble, forest floor and spicy dried herb characteristics. Good freshness and fine grained tannins with modest length to the finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Charles Reuben Estate Ian’s Selection Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2024-2026)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinMatured in French oak. Dark red in colour with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Pronounced violet and anise aromas intermix with black cherry, strawberry, earth and a whiff of varnish. Rich black cherry, anise and strawberry fruits are underpinned by lively acidity with some sour cherry and spicy earth characteristics lingering through the back half. Polished tannins with a bright mid length finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% - 2020 Charles Van Canneyt Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$480. 00Bottle$5760.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Cork
Charles Van Canneyt is the current winemaker at the iconic Domaine Hudelot-Noellat in Vougeot, but he also produces wine under his own label. Using his extensive contacts with the finest growers in Burgundy, Charles sources grapes from some of the top plots in the area, and makes the wines at a separate facility in Beaune. Charles is aiming for a similar purity and terroir focus as those wines of Hudelot-Noellat, and as such has minimal use of new oak each year.
Les Feusselottes is situated just below the village, surrounding the cemetery, and has perhaps the deepest and richest soils of the Chambolle Premier Cru sites. This shallow, stony soil has a high proportion of limestone, which has long been considered the cause of the mineral characters in the finished wines.
- 2020 Charles Van Canneyt Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$480. 00Bottle$5760.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Cork
Charles Van Canneyt is the current winemaker at the iconic Domaine Hudelot-Noellat in Vougeot, but he also produces wine under his own label. Using his extensive contacts with the finest growers in Burgundy, Charles sources grapes from some of the top plots in the area, and makes the wines at a separate facility in Beaune. Charles is aiming for a similar purity and terroir focus as those wines of Hudelot-Noellat, and as such has minimal use of new oak each year.
Les Sentiers sits just south of Bonnes Mares on the border with Morey Saint Denis, and with its rich brown soils can display traits more closely aligned with its neighbour than is typical of other Chambolle sites.
- 2020 Charles Van Canneyt Chambolle-Musigny Les Lavrottes Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$480. 00Bottle$5760.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Cork
Charles Van Canneyt is the current winemaker at the iconic Domaine Hudelot-Noellat in Vougeot, but he also produces wine under his own label. Using his extensive contacts with the finest growers in Burgundy, Charles sources grapes from some of the top plots in the area, and makes the wines at a separate facility in Beaune. Charles is aiming for a similar purity and terroir focus as those wines of Hudelot-Noellat, and as such has minimal use of new oak each year.
Les Lavrottes is a tiny Premier Cru vineyard just south of Bonnes Mares and is the continuation of the larger Les Noirots site. Chambolle-Musigny as a whole has lighter limestone soils than in the Morey-Saint-Denis appellation to the north, with a much lower proportion of clay. This light, pebbly soil covers the Les Lavrottes vineyard, with hard limestone subsoil beneath. Lighter soils such as this one are often associated with lighter wines. However, a little clay and iron in the soils here gives a little more weight than might usually be expected from Chambolle-Musigny.
- 2019 Charles Van Canneyt Chambolle-Musigny Aux Echanges Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$370. 00Bottle$4440.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Cork
Charles Van Canneyt is the current winemaker at the iconic Domaine Hudelot-Noellat in Vougeot, but he also produces wine under his own label. Using his extensive contacts with the finest growers in Burgundy, Charles sources grapes from some of the top plots in the area, and makes the wines at a separate facility in Beaune. Charles is aiming for a similar purity and terroir focus as those wines of Hudelot-Noellat, and as such has minimal use of new oak each year.
Located between the Premier Cru vineyards of Aux Combottes and Aux Beaux Bruns, roughly one third of this vineyard is classified as Premier Cru and has been owned by Domaine Leymarie-Ceci since 1976. That domaine does not bottle much itself, and this plot is more widely seen in negociant bottlings such as this from Charles Van Canneyt.
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- 94
2023 Chateau de Chamiery Mercurey Clos de la MaladiereBurgundy, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkA rich, juicy Burgundy that has a long satiny finish.
Aged in 400 litre barrels (15% new) for 16 months. Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Fragrant red to dark cherry, strawberry and red liquorice scents are complimented by whiffs of violet, fresh herbs, earth and spicy cedar. Rich dark to black cherry, liquorice, dark raspberry and ripe strawberry fruits carry a juicy feel across the mid weighted palate. Subtle earthy incense, herb and spicy cedar elements sit in the background. Ripe polished tannins with a long satiny and generously fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
2021 Chateau de Chamirey Mercurey Premier Cru En SazenayBurgundy, FRANCE$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkAn amply endowed Burgundy flush with ripe dark to black fruit.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Intense dark to black cherry and ripe strawberry aromas fill the nostrils followed by whiffs of liquorice, earth, dried herb and spice notes. Layered across the well fleshed palate are rich dark to black cherry and strawberry fruits with some ripe plum, anise, earth, a dash of sour cherry and spice characters sitting beneath. Ample in the mouth and supple in it’s flow it has slightly dusty, fine grained tannins and an underlying freshness threaded through the long generous finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 92
- 91
2021 Chateau de Chamirey Mercurey Clos de la MaladiereBurgundy, FRANCE$95. 00Bottle$1140.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkSemi translucent red to dark red in colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant red cherry and winter strawberry scents are intermeshed with dried herb, rhubarb and spice notes. Light, fresh and possessing a crunchy like feel, sour to red cherry, winter strawberry and rhubarb flavours meld into a dried herb and spice back drop. Polished tannins finishing savoury and elegant.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
There is more depth of flavour in the single-vineyard village Mercury Clos de la Maladière, with forward pomegranate and raspberry fruit aromas with a floral edge. The fruit leads to a lively, tense feel on the palate, with abundant freshness, firm tannins, and relatively light body. The wine has just been bottled, and there is a hint of CO2 that would dissipate with decanting. The grapes come from a single plot purchased by the family seventy years ago; the vines were planted from 1959 – 1979. Drink 2023-2030.
91 Points
Decanter -
- 97
- 95
2024 Chatto Intrigue Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 13.3%Closure: StelvinEstablished in 2000 by Jim and Daisy Chatto, Chatto Wines is dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir. With over two decades of experience and numerous accolades—including Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Winemaker of the Year—Jim Chatto crafts small-batch, site-expressive wines. The home vineyard in the Huon Valley is planted to eight Pinot clones, producing elegant, intensely flavoured wines in tiny quantities. The 2024 vintage followed Tasmania’s driest summer on record, delivering clean, concentrated fruit. These are structured, expressive Pinots with immediate appeal and excellent cellaring potential.
Sourced from their Estate Isle Vineyard in Glaziers Bay, Intrigue is a blend of all eight Pinot clones grown on this remarkable site. Naturally low yields (~1kg per vine) deliver concentration at modest sugar levels, ensuring vibrancy and poise. Whole-bunch elements are seamlessly embedded, adding subtle complexity to a wine that captures the vineyard’s cool-climate energy.
Alc. 13.3%Other Reviews....
I muttered an audible 'Oof!' when I popped this wine to my nose. I'm a sucker for that flint-struck reduction in a pinot noir, especially when it so comfortably melds with a fruit array this pure. First up, the colour is a deeper ruby here, and the fruit tone's a little darker – wild strawberry, dark cherry and dried cranberry with underlying hints of souk-like spice, pomegranate, sour cherries, amaro, wildflowers, pastis, Chinese barbecue shop, crushed stone, sous bois, nicely judged, toasty oak and earth. The palate is high fidelity and the pure fruit unfurls with detail and a stony composure. The tannins are kinetic, silty and fine and there's a minerally cadence that sails the wine along truly. Very impressive stuff. Drink by 2040.
97 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine CompanionReduction sweeps in and has a keen influence here, to the most positive of effect. This wine is a clear step up; it’s a beauty. Smoke, sweet and sour cherries, herbs, spices, minerals and leaves. It’s all going on and it’s all pulling together. Tannin is intrinsic. Intrigue is in-built. beautiful Pinot Noir. As charming as it is enchanting. Drink 2025-2032+
95 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine FrontDeep-ish, youthful purple colour; smoky reduction is the first aroma, the palate very intense, medium bodied and attractively flavoured with dark cherry, anise/spice flavours and a big finish of licorice and black cherry. A powerhouse of a pinot. Concentration and poise aplenty. Impressive wine.
97 Points
Huon Hooke - The Real Review -
- 96
- 94
- 93
2024 Chatto Killara Farm Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinPowerful, juicy textured and expansive with a long, fresh youthfully exuberant finish.
Established in 2000 by Jim and Daisy Chatto, Chatto Wines is dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir. With over two decades of experience and numerous accolades—including Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Winemaker of the Year—Jim Chatto crafts small-batch, site-expressive wines. The home vineyard in the Huon Valley is planted to eight Pinot clones, producing elegant, intensely flavoured wines in tiny quantities. The 2024 vintage followed Tasmania’s driest summer on record, delivering clean, concentrated fruit. These are structured, expressive Pinots with immediate appeal and excellent cellaring potential.
The most brooding and structured of the grower releases, the Killara Farm Pinot Noir offers impressive depth and drive. Deep dark red core with black shaded edges and a vibrant red purple tinged hue. Alluring scents of violet, red to dark cherry, strawberry and anise show a perfumed like intensity. Fresh herb, delicate forest floor and spicy cedar notes ensue. Powerful and juicy textured, moreish red to dark cherry, strawberry and anise flavours are layered across the expansive palate. Infusions of fresh herbs, forest floor and delicate spicy cedar elements are scattered across the back half. Still very youthful and bright it has polished tannins and a long, fresh youthfully exuberant finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews....
Sourced from Gill Christian and Todd Goebel's vineyard on Brinktop Road in the Coal River Valley. Mid-ruby with aromas of dark cherry and red plum fruits, with some wild strawberry and raspberry top notes. There's flickers of citrus blossom and clover along with hints of medina spice, forest floor, dried cranberry, negroni, dried herbs, char siu and a murmur of toasty oak. There's a depth here, while still retaining a lovely sense of space with taut, powdered riverstone tannins and a sapidity and clarity to its line that stretches the wine's travel on the finish. Very cool drinking. Drink 2025-2040.
94 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine CompanionThis starts off easy-going and fruit-driven and then turns savoury and structured as it draws towards its close. It will no doubt cellar but I wouldn’t have any hesitation even now. Darker berry flavours, integrated herb notes, whispers of smoky oak, tobacco and a long, cool finish. Everything in alignment and in a good placer. Beneath the fruit there are undergrowth characters, and they’re most beguiling. Drink 2025 - 2030+.
93 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front -
- 96
- 95
- 94
2024 Chatto Seven Inch Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.8%Closure: StelvinFresh and juicy, with moreish red fruits, energetic acidity and slightly chiselled tannins.
Established in 2000 by Jim and Daisy Chatto, Chatto Wines is dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir. With over two decades of experience and numerous accolades—including Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Winemaker of the Year—Jim Chatto crafts small-batch, site-expressive wines. The home vineyard in the Huon Valley is planted to eight Pinot clones, producing elegant, intensely flavoured wines in tiny quantities.The 2024 vintage followed Tasmania’s driest summer on record, delivering clean, concentrated fruit. These are structured, expressive Pinots with immediate appeal and excellent cellaring potential.
The 2024 Seven Inch Pinot Noir marks a decade of collaboration with growers Max and Sue Kitchell in the Huon Valley. Semi translucent bright red to dark red core with a light purple red tinged hue. Pretty violet, red cherry, raspberry and anise scents sail through the olfactory senses with hints of fresh herbs, forest floor and delicate spicy cedar also evident. Fresh and juicy, a moreish mix of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry and red liquorice fruits burst across the palate with terrific power and intensity. Savoury back drop with elements of forest floor, subtle dried herbs and spicy cedar making an appearance. Velvet smooth flow with a slightly chiselled feel to the tannins. Energetic acidity lending vibrancy to the long, delectable finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.8%Other Reviews....
Sourced from the vineyard of Max and Sue Kitchell, neighbours of Jim and Daisy Chatto in Glaziers Bay in the Huon Valley. A little deeper ruby in the glass compared to other Chatto releases, the Seven Inch leads with a struck-flint reduction that cascades through ripe dark cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry fruit tones. The spice is a little deeper here and there are hints of smoked meats, dried herbs, negroni, meadow flowers, pomegranate and Chinese barbecue shop. These characters transpose over to the palate, which shows great fruit purity and depth. Just the right amount of sinewy tannin as it finishes long and true. Drink by 2040.
95 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine CompanionIt’s fascinating going through these Chatto releases. They’re all peas in a pod, and yet they all have slight differences.
Seven Inch is like Chatto’s Bird release in that the emphasis is just in favour of structure; Killara Farm goes fruit/flavour and then structure. Here we have an elegant wine of muscle and flex, its spice notes tending towards mescal, its smoke notes lending a certain meatiness. The long lines of tannin here, the tripod-leg extension of the finish, and the way each flavour feels selected and arranged has this wine heading straight into elite territory. Drink 2026 - 2032+.
94+ Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine FrontLight-medium depth purple-red in the glass, the bouquet smoky meaty reductive at first while the palate is fine and firm with a trace of bitter herb/Campari and tautly sculpted tannins. A suggestion of eucalypt forest floor later, as it aired in the glass. The flavour is quite complex already but the tannins are quite persuasive, suggesting it really needs food if broached early. (Huon Valley)
95 Points
Huon Hooke - The Real Review -
- 95
2024 Chatto Franklinii Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinEnergetic and juicy with a long, deeply fruited finish.
Established in 2000 by Jim and Daisy Chatto, Chatto Wines is dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir. With over two decades of experience and numerous accolades—including Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Winemaker of the Year—Jim Chatto crafts small-batch, site-expressive wines. The home vineyard in the Huon Valley is planted to eight Pinot clones, producing elegant, intensely flavoured wines in tiny quantities.The 2024 vintage followed Tasmania’s driest summer on record, delivering clean, concentrated fruit. These are structured, expressive Pinots with immediate appeal and excellent cellaring potential.The Franklinii Pinot Noir is a seamless blend of two Huon Valley sites, capturing the region’s signature elegance and poise. Dark red core with black toned edges and a bright purple red tinged hue. Streaming through the nostrils are alluring scents of violet, red to dark cherry, strawberry and whiffs of anise. Forest floor, fresh herb and spice notes ensue. Delicious red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits power across the enticing palate with notions of anise, forest floor, infusions of fresh herbs and delicate spicy cedar extending across the back half. Energetic and juicy it has polished, fine grained tannins and a long, fresh, deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 92
2024 Clarence House Estate Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.8%Closure: StelvinJuicy and fresh with an inky feel and bright acidity.
Very deep black dark red colour with a vibrant purple red hue. Intense but youthful, the nose offers up aromas of freshly crushed ripe cherries, violets and anise which mix with clove, inky earth, dried meat and spice notes. Juicy and fresh the palate features spicy cherry, anise and winter strawberry fruits over dried clove and earth. Inky feel with bright acidity and slightly grainy tannins. Concludes with a crunchy blue to dark fruited aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.8%
An obsession with a fickle varietal.
Once you experience it, you never forget it. For some wine lovers, Pinot Noir becomes an obsession. While promising one of world's greatest wine experiences, it can also deliver some of the most disappointing. What is it about Pinot that makes it so frustratingly variable? There are known quality factors which offer encouragement to winemakers. Micro-climates have been observed to play an important part in a successful matrix, particularly the diurnal temperature range. Pinot Noir is a little like Riesling, in the sense that it requires warm, but not overly hot days and cool nights to fully develop its maximum flavour potential. Sunshine hours, rainfall, time and rate of precipitation are all important. Countering this is the fact that the same clone will not respond to differences in micro-climate in the same way. Older vines make better wines. Creative and adaptive viticultural management and winemaking are essential. Buy Pinot Noir online. Any questions about our products or shipping? Please feel free to get in touch by calling us directly on 1800 069 295 or by emailing [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Browse and buy Pinot Noir online, spend more than $200 and you'll qualify for free delivery to most of Australia.















































