2021 Gathering Field by Thousand Candles Pinot Noir

Comprised of vineyards, cattle pastures and native bush, the Thousand Candles estate stretches over 1100 acres making it one of the biggest land holdings in the Yarra Valley. The vineyard was planted in 1995 and is just over 60 acres in size with a focus on Pinot Noir. Stuart Proud is in charge of the winemaking.
The fruit for this wine was hand picked from select parcels of the estate’s best blocks which have an easterly aspect allowing the vines to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. Fermented in small batches over two weeks with minimal intervention the wine was then matured for 6 months in older French oak barriques and hogsheads.

Powerful, supple and intensely flavoured this is an uber delicious Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.

Semi translucent red colour with dark red toned edges and a light red hue. Highly perfumed and alluring the nose offers up violet, dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb aromas infused with hints of dried clove. Forest floor and spicy cedar notes also make an appearance. Displaying the varietals trademark power without weight trait and a beautiful supple textural feel, intensely flavoured red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits are layered over a back drop of rhubarb, forest floor, dried herbs and delicate spicy cedar. Expansive in it’s spread across the palate, it possesses seamlessly integrated, silky smooth tannins and finishes long and moreish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews…..
20% whole bunches; bottled unfined and unfiltered. A bright, medium ruby red. Perfumed and redolent of strawberries, raspberries, flowers and gentle spice. It's equally impressive on the well-delineated, nicely concentrated and suave palate. The quantity and quality of the tannins are spot on too. Drink by 2029.
95 points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion