A Pinot Noir that slides through the mouth with ease, this is very much a savoury expression of the variety.
Pinot Noir has never really struck a chord with me on the Granite Belt to be honest. To an extent, the granite soils really stake their claim and wrestle the fruit into submission. There is no disputing the quality of the making with this release from Ridgemill Estate. The softness through the mouth is clear and the hands of the winemaker obvious, but it's that minerality that those unfamiliar to the district may run shy of. Bolder varieties hold this minerality better in my opinion. Winemaker Peter McGlashan loves a challenge and his dogged determination often sees him overcome such hurdles.
Opening with sour and dried cherries, flashes of char chime in too. Orange and mandarin peel make a play as do fine spices. You get a sense it's overdone but not so. That's the minerality speaking loud.
Dried cherries and dark plums coupled with a smokiness and pan juices, the savoury appeal really talks to me but you can't ignore the soft fine pepper undertow. Dried orange peel salutes on excite and gets my attention once more. This is nicely done.
Drink to five years+
92/100
Region: Granite BeltSource: Sample
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