Tasting Note This is “lightest,” most refined and almost ethereal of the three single vineyard pinots. It shows very lifted, nicely ripe raspberry/wild strawberry/ cranberry fruit, pretty deeper rose-like floral notes, sage, mineral and subtle barrel toast and spice. It is light to medium weight, narrow-beamed, quite fine boned, firm and elegant, with lively, almost juicy acidity. Tannins are a bit edgy; the alcohol balance is spot on. Excellent to outstanding length. I would age this a year or two, but it is most approachable of the three single-vineyard pinots.

Backgrounder Planted in 1994, Block 23 rises on higher ground with sandy loam soil. That, plus the northern and eastern exposure, which provides a cooler microclimate, are responsible for the higher acid and juicier expression of this bottling. The winemaking is the same for all four pinots, allowing site to express the differences. The fruit was hand-harvested, and it was fermented with wild yeast. During the 14-to-18-day 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 third fill 228-litre French oak barrels, undergoing malolactic fermentation in the spring of 2024, then was gently barrel-to-barrel racked to allow full ageing on the lees. It was bottled unfiltered in mid 2025.