2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Pinot Noir

This is the first wine in the line up that we tasted. Some commentators say that Great Pinot Noir can’t be grown around the Clarendon district. These commentators do not understand the relatively cool climate of the area. It is this coolness that allows the Pinot to develop its varietal strength and character.

The Pinot vines were planted in 1975, and are cropped at 2–2.5 tonnes per acre. The wine was fermented on wild yeasts, as are all of the Clarendon Hills wines, and has been matured in a combination of 70% new oak and 30% one year old oak from Alliers and Vosges. The wine has been on wild yeast lees since March 2001 and never racked or fined.

Tasting Note: The colour is outstanding, with vibrant deep mauve purple tones. The nose took a little coaxing, but that is expected as the wine tasted was from tank and has suffered a little from movement. Aromas of violets and spice emerge over dark cherry, plum and liquorice background notes. After bottling the wine will blossom superbly. The palate displays strong varietal character and builds momentum on the palate to deliver a strong power wave. Flavours of dark cherry, plum, spice and liquorice emerge over a subtle earth/game background. Excellent structure, with fine grained tannins and generous ripe fruit mouthfeel.
Cellar 8-10 years (2010-2012)
Alc/Vol 14.5%

RATING: 93/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5