If one may begin with the bottom line, this is the best Definitus Pinot Noir I have seen. Indeed, I’m not sure I can recall seeing a better Pinot made by Brian Croser. Given what he has achieved over what has already become a legendary career, that would certainly be saying something. Loved the 2022, but for me, this eclipses it. The fruit for Definitus comes from a block that is harvested separately, even though it is located in the centre of the Foggy Hill slope. It was planted in 2003 to clones 115 and 777, which the team believe gives greater fruit intensity and colour than they achieve in the rest of the vineyard. This is the sixth release of this wine. No ‘whole fruit’ was used, thanks to the cooler vintage. Maturation was for eight months in barriques. Pale russet with an ochre rim, it offers such an alluring nose with notes of red cherries, leaf litter, truffles, cranberries, smoked meats, spices, bay leaves and animal skins. Just love this nose. The wine is seamless in structure, and there is a seductive and creamy texture. It is impeccably balanced and very, very long, finishing with silky tannins and a flicker of good acidity. For me, a stunning Pinot Noir for enjoying over the next fifteen to twenty years.
97 Points