2023 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Pinot Noir

A funky Tassie Pinot that has a meaty feel and a fresh, savoury finish.

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. Red to dark red core with black shaded edges and a vibrant red hue. Funky yet intense nose with red to dark cherry and strawberry aromas infused with a mix of smoky graphite and dried herb notes followed by some earthy rhubarb and spicy stalk scents. Light to medium bodied, the palate has a meaty flavour profile of cherries, strawberries, earthy graphite, dried herbs, smoked meats and spice. Fine grained tannins concluding fresh and savoury with a meaty feel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%