2025 was a warmer vintage on the Fleurieu Peninsula, though for Pinot Noir, that is something which is not always to the advantage of the variety. Fortunately, it seems to have overcome that potential handicap. A vintage, perhaps, where generosity trumps elegance. 2,300 dozen made. Winemaker, Brian Croser, notes this vintage as “the driest, warmest and earliest” of his 56-year winemaking career. Fermentation saw no “whole fruit”. The team used their own growing yeast strain with daily hand plunging. Pressing was into barriques, 1/3rd of them new, followed by maturation for eight months. A Pinot Noir that is generous indeed, the colour is a deep crimson, with a russet rim. This comes very much from the savoury end of the spectrum and we have notes of cold tea, mushrooms, animal flesh, leather, delicatessen meats and hints of Balsamic. Well focused and balanced, there is a fine line of acidity running the full journey through to sleek tannins. A lovely lingering finish and the wine should continue to provide pleasure for the next six to ten years.
94 Point