Tasting Note This is firm, balanced and stylish all at the same time. It has a notably lifted, complex, toasty, cedary and spicy nose, with classic pinot noir red cherry/strawberry fruit, sage and a touch of red rose. It is medium weight with good acidity and a smooth, almost glossy and warm mid-palate then drying, dusty and slightly crusty finish. The fruit and wood spices hit excellent length. Give it a bit of time to soften. Best 2027 to 2030 and beyond. Having tasted the three single vineyard pinots alongside I thought this Reserve most resembled the Gravel Force, with its firm ambiance.
Backgrounder This is a selection of fruit from vines that are 26 years and older. The fruit was hand-harvested, and it was fermented with wild yeast. During the 14-18 days maceration period, light pump-overs were practiced to lighten colour and tannin extraction. After fermentation, the free run wine was drained to tank, and the remaining pomace was gently pressed. It was aged in French oak barrels, undergoing malolactic fermentation, then gentle barrel-to-barrel racking to allow full ageing on the lees. It was bottled unfiltered.
