2021 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Pinot Noir

Established in 1988 this tiny vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir (5.5 hectares) and Chardonnay (1 hectare) and is located several kilometres inland from the coast near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge national Park north-west of Bicheno. The vineyards unique situation near the entry to the gorge brings breezes in the afternoon which have a distinct cooling effect which means this vineyard is typically one of the last to harvest in Tasmania with harvest usually being around the first week of May.
Since 1999 winemaking has been undertaken by owner Brian Franklin who also does vintage each year in Burgundy with Philippe Charlopin (himself mentored by his friend Henri Jayer) in Gevrey Chambertin, and is helped here in Tasmania by young French winemakers including Philippe Charlopin’s son Yann.

Aged in a combination of new and two year old French oak barrels. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Dark cherry and dried herb aromas sail out of the glass followed by some rhubarb, hints of anise, forest floor and spicy cedar. Rich, concentrated dark cherry and strawberry fruits power across the light to mid weighted palate with some anise, spicy cedar, earth and dried herb characters lying underneath. Fleshy almost supple mouthfeel with slightly grainy tannins providing ample structural attributes. Exceptional drive finishing long, seductive and spicy.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%