2021 La Maison Pinot Noir

colour

Vibrant crimson with ruby hues.

aroma

A complex mélange of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry blossom.

palate

Densely structured red fruit supports a supple, lingering palate of dried herbs, aniseed, cherry and subtle oak spice. Fine whole bunch tannin lifts the wine, with unequivocal poise, tension, vibrancy and length.

cellaring

Will reward careful cellaring of seven to ten years.

vintage

Constant spring winds during budburst caused low vine yields. The region experienced cooler than average temperatures over the growing season causing a longer ripening period with delayed harvest dates. The driest vintage to date producing extremely high-quality fruit.

winemaking

Pristine Pinot Noir from the famed Lowestoft Vineyard was hand picked and fermented in 1T open top fermenters, with up to 50% whole bunch inclusion. Gently hand plunged as required throughout fermentation, with gentle pressing to tank post MLF, followed by 10 months maturation in large format French oak (25% new) before careful blending and bottling with minimal additions.

region

Tasmania 

variety

Pinot Noir

analysis

• Alcohol: 14.0%
• pH: 3.55
• TA 5.60 g/L

Melbourne Royal Wine Awards 2022

James Halliday Trophy for Best Pinot Noir

Sydney Royal Wine Awards 2023

Australian Pinot Noir Challenge 2023

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 2023

Pinot noir from the close-planted vines (8300 per hectare) at Lowestoft planted in 1986; matured in French oak (35% new) for 10 months. Pure red plum and dark cherry fruits strut their stuff here with hints of five-spice, sous bois, dried raspberry, cranberry, black tea and vanilla, with light roast game further in the distance. Savoury and true with excellent fruit depth and purity, chalky tannins providing support. I'd expect this to cellar admirably.

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