2022 Stargazer Pinot Noir

The 2022 Pinot Noir comes exclusively from Stargazer's own vineyards in the Tea Tree sub-region of the Coal River Valley, where two separate parcels were planted in 2002 and 2017 respectively. The vineyard is composed of different clones, with most being G5V12 or Wadenswil, with some Abel, 115, 777, and MV6 clones added from the 2017 planting. The fruit is hand-picked, and destemmed (with 20% kept as whole bunches) to vats, where they undergo a cold soak for three days before fermentation begins. After primary fermentation, the must is pressed to French oak puncheons (with 22% being new), where it matures on lees for 8 months before being transferred, racked, and blended in a tank for a further rest of 6 weeks before bottling.

Other Reviews....
Bing cherry, rose petal, lilac and gritty hints of whole-bunch influence, from dill, peppercorn and a smoky streak of mezcal across the fibrous finish. A little distracting now, perhaps. Yet will integrate nobly with time due to the extract, density and plush refinement of the finish, never straying into excessive sweetness or medicinal notes as with too many regional pinots. A very good, mid-weighted pinot. It will only get better. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 Points
Ned Goodwin MW - JamesSuckling.com