Clandestine Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022

 

15% whole bunch, 30% new French oak and 100% juicy. This is the second Pinot Noir release from Clandestine Vineyards and it's a vibrant and perfumed bomb of pleasure. Well played.

Break Free Little Wing Shiraz Noir 2022

 

Carbonic maceration is a sexy thing - thousands of little ferments all happening in one big ferment. It's a flavour orgy of sorts. This Shiraz/Pinot Noir blend comes from the Adelaide Hills, and if low-fi wines are your thing, get this on your radar. 

Jansz Tasmania Vintage Rosé 2018

 

Some pink fizz to get you in the NYE mood... Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this is smart gear.

Alkimi Wild Dreams Pinot Noir 2022

 

Whole bunch Pinot Noir in a clear bottle with a cork seal. Alkimi's Stu Dudine brings a little funk factor as he tends to do with ease. This will take a chill on warmer days adding to its bag of tricks. A summertime red if you will. Yes!

Jansz Tasmania Vintage Cuvée 2018

 

Load up your festive cheer with this fabulous vintage Tasmanian sparkling. I'll have another glass pronto, please.

Jansz Tasmania Late Disgorged Vintage Cuvée 2014

 

Jansz's Late Disgorged Vintage Cuvée 2014 has been held back to age on lees for an extra four years. The added complexity that the additional time has given this wonderful sparkling is telling. It's just another example of why consumers should drink more Australian sparkling rather than French imports.

Hart and Hunter Shiraz Pinot Noir 2021

 

Hart & Hunter's take on the Hunter River Burgundy sees the marriage of Shiraz and Pinot join forces.

Montalto Main Ridge Block Pinot Noir 2021

  

In the words of LL Cool J, "Paradise is very nice." This is everything Pinot Noir should be. Delicate, lacy and precise, the pleasure factor is supreme.

Yalumba Y Series Pinot Noir 2022

 

To be released in early 2023, winemaker Sam Wigan is pretty excited about this and sent a pre-release sneak peek my way. This is another Y Series bargain worth keeping an eye out for.

Montalto North One Pinot Noir 2021

 

The Tuerong single vineyard Pinot Noir is normally the boss but not in 2021. North One stakes a strong claim and deservedly so. Formerly known as 'Red Hill', North One is the block that sits beside The Eleven Chardonnay block. This release has levelled up on 2020.

Montalto Merricks Pinot Noir 2021

 

Quite a different wine to the Tuerong, this Merricks Single Vineyard is a beautiful Pinot that just hums along. 

Montalto Tuerong Pinot Noir 2021

 

Quite an intriguing Tuerong, one that is very different to previous releases. A wonderful wine as always, but there are a few shades of contrast that haven't shown themselves prior.

Oakridge 864 Henk Vineyard Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir 2021

 

We are in elite company here. Yarra Valley on high. Sure it's at a premium price but heaven ain't come cheap. 

Oakridge Vineyard Series Hazeldene Pinot Noir 2021

 

Like a Pinot with spice? Go to the Oakridge Willowlake. Love the sleek touch? Go to Hazeldene. What a stunning Pinot Noir this is. 

Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Pinot Noir 2021

 

Henk is the boss. The more I see the wines from this vineyard the more I play the fanboy. Yarra Valley Pinot Noir in the zone. Yes!

Oakridge Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021

 

Oakridge has the luxury of covering all price points. Slotting in at $30, this Yarra Valley range Pinot Noir is a solid wine. 

Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

 

Willowlake doing Willowlake things. A wonderfully weighted Pinot Noir from Oakridge albeit with a little more spice this time. I can't recall a similar release but it's still damn slurpable.

Castle Rock Estate A and W Pinot Noir 2021

 

Bunchy goodness shines through in this excellent, savoury driven Pinot Noir from Castle Rock Estate. Lacey and edged with fine spices, it has class etched into its name. 

Kellybrook Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2020

 

Kellybrook's best Pinot and only 50 dozen were produced. First planted in 1975, this is a blend of their best barrels.

Black Estate Damsteep Pet Nat 2022

 

The best Pet Nat I have tasted. There, I said it! I could actually have a glass of this, and another, and probably another. Refreshing deluxe, this is a great fizz.