Stargazer Pinot Noir 2012 - QWine Reviews

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Stargazer Pinot Noir 2012

Samantha Connew has successfully started her own label and what an entrance she has made. Her first release wines included a Derwent Valley Riesling and this Pinot Noir. 2014 looks promising with the addition of a Tassie Chardonnay to the line up.

One of Connew's last wines at the Hunter Valley's Tower Estate was the very impressive Panaroma Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010. I can see why she is drawn to this patch of dirt because it is from here the fruit is sourced for this wine.

The single vineyard is in Tasmania's Huon Valley with the block planted in 1998. Made at the Bay of Fires winery, 1534 bottles were produced. Hand picked and 100% wild fermented with 25% whole bunches used, not being fined nor filtered.

Funky aromas of stewed raspberries, mulch and moist undergrowth set the scene. A slight whiff of cinnamon spice also pushes through. Interesting and engaging aromas indeed.

The fruit is soft and delicate. A reduced strawberry character washes through. Juicy acid seems to stick as do super fine grainy like tannins. The spice character sits in the background along with the faint touch of oak (30% new French puncheons). There is a definite feminine and masculine thing going on here. Soft to begin with yet some grunt to finish. Precisely the objective the winemaker set out to achieve. A beautifully structured and presented wine.

Available through premium outlets such as Brisbane's Craft Wine Store (end of November), Sydney's Camperdown Cellars, Five Ways Cellars and Bonds Corner Cellars or simply jump online.

Who: Stargrazer
What: Pinot Noir (12.5% alc)
Where: Huon Valley, Tasmania
When: 2012
How: $50