2017 Bicknell fc Applecross Pinot Noir

One of Yarra Valley’s most feted modern winemakers, Dave Bicknell emerged out of a hotbed of talent that was De Bortoli around the turn of the millennium and took Oakridge Estate to new heights. Applecross is his own venture which he founded with his viticulturalist wife, Nicky Harris. Close planted in 1988 on the top of the hill in Gladysdale that’s particularly steep the Applecross vineyard is the source of fruit.

A superb Yarra Valley Pinot Noir that’s both intense and powerful yet light on its feet.

Semi translucent bright dark red colour with subtlety black tinged edges and a light red hue. The nose shows wonderful fragrance and intensity with scents of violets, dark cherries, strawberries and anise pursued by forest floor, fresh herbs and a spicy meatiness. Flooding the palate with great drive are delicious ripe cherry and strawberry fruits within a supple yet elegant mouthfeel. Infusions of fresh herbs, forest floor, faint anise and spice sit underneath. Vibrant yet perfectly balanced acidity lends freshness and polished tannins carry the wonderfully pure and intense layers of fruit which flow onto the long, powerful finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
It's not often I prefer a Yarra producer's pinot over his/her chardonnay, particularly when speaking of wines from a master of the craft, David Bicknell. This said, the '17 vintage has conferred a cool climate edge to the Yarra's signature juiciness across a veil of crunchy berry fruits, straying into hints of mulch, woodsy porcini and root spice. The spindle of tannins keeps everything humming to a moreish conclusion. Delicious! Drink by 2026.
96 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

The chardonnay is excellent. But this Pinot Noir …
I started tasting this without knowing its price but after a couple of sips I was quickly hunting around; I wanted some. It’s a beautiful expression of the variety. Mouthwatering in its freshness, strewn with herbs, pushed with just-enough cranberry and black cherry and laced with exquisitely formed tannin. Its aromas draw you in, all garden and nut, and then the palate convinces entirely. Drink 2020-2027+
95 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

Attractive, brambly red-cherry, dried-flower and bracken aromas here with such intensely fresh and pure style. The palate has athletically agile tannin texture and arcs out a sapid, red-cherry core with a succulent, fresh and energetic finish. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
95 points
JamesSuckling.com (October 2020)