A flagship Pinot Noir from a heritage Sunbury vineyard established during colonial times. The fortuitous confluence of elevated aspects and favourable terroirs, rejuvenating maritime climes and limited yields of hand picked grapes, translate into a profoundly structured Pinot wine of layered intensity and stately cool climate elegance. A small amount of this splendid effort is currently on offer, bottled in cleanskin and sealed under good old fashioned cork, for a third the price of its otherwise labelled siblings. Indulge.
The excellence of Sunbury as a winegrowing precinct has not gone unnoticed by the World Trade Organization, which recognizes Sunbury as a unique Geographic Indication under international law. A small number of demurely sized wineries are producing a quality of wine which is becoming conspicuous to industry pundits overseas. Bunches of hand picked, single vineyard Pinot Noir grapes, are treated to an old world style, hands on vinification. A term of cold macerations for optimal extraction is followed by a course of hand plunged, traditional open fermentations. Upon completion, components are pressed to a selection of seasoned and new oak barriques for eighteen months maturation.
Cherry red colour. Lifted nose of pastoral Pinot characters, forest floor and game, cherries and frais de bois. A silky, medium bodied palate, unravelling layers of engaging Pinot complexity over a firm structure of malleable licorice tannins, supporting juicy red fruit flavours, sassafras and scents of the wilderness. A match to offal sausages and pink loin of lamb, crackling pork or a well dressed ham.
