"Dark, deep, ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim with some garnet hues. This has a firm, full and deeply concentrated, complex nose with an amalgam of dark-red berry fruits along with savoury dark and dried herbs, some subtle whole bunch stalk perfumes, and nuances of earth. The aromatics possess excellent density and presence, with the beginnings of interest from secondary development. Medium-full bodied, the palate has lively and vibrant flavours of complex savoury dark-red berry fruits entwined with herbs and whole bunch stalk elements, and a soft layering of earth and undergrowth elements, forming a finely concentrated and deep core. The fruit is sweetly rich and enlivened by fresh acidity and supported by fine-grained tannin extraction providing an elegant structure and grip. The flavours carry with plenty of drive and energy to a strong, complex, savoury finish. This is a rich-fruited, complex flavoured Pinot Noir with savoury red fruit, herb, earth and secondary detail on a finely concentrated, lively palate with good structure. Match with wild duck and pork, coq au vin and casseroles over the next 6-8 years. A blend of clones 115, 777 and 114 from the ‘Doctors Flat’ vineyard fermented with 30% whole bunches to 13.5% alc., the wine spending 25-26 days on skins and aged 12 months in 23% new French oak, then given a further 6 months in tank. 870 dozen made. 19.0-/20
RAYMOND CHAN 19/20
