2020 Garagiste Le Stagiaire Pinot Noir

Winemaker Barney Flanders' decision to reclassify his Pinot fruit this year has taken the 2020 release of Le Stagiaire to another level. Fruit that would normally go into his upper tier single vineyard Balnarring Pinot Noir has been moved into this wine, 50% of the blend being drawn from some of the top Merricks blocks. This portion also takes in 15% whole-bunch from the prized Merricks Terre de Feu parcel. The wine was aged for six months on lees, in concrete, foudre and used 300-litre barrels and then bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Semi translucent bright red colour with a light red hue. Very intense, perfumed like aromatics of rose petals, red cherries, winter strawberries and well integrated clove like notes flow out of the glass followed by forest floor, a subtle meatiness and notions of fresh herbs. Light in body and possessing a bright youthful freshness, the palate is decorated with delicious red cherry and strawberry fruits that are gently infused with clove. Vivid acidity underpins the fruit with nuances of fresh herbs, light forest floor and delicate spicy cedar on the back half. Polished tannins. The long elegant aftertaste  both vibrant and highly savoury.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%