Best’s, Great Western, Grampians, Victoria, 2010

Tasting: Tasmania & Victoria Pinot Noir

Spicy, peppery, mineral scents: attractive, if wholly un-Pinot like. There are northern Rhone reds that are not dissimilar to this. The palate is also quite Rhone-like, though much fresher, sweeter fruited and smooth-textured than that implies, but it has a similar weight in the mouth. Strangely enough, though, the wine works very well: poised, fresh and beguiling, with a lovely clean floral freshness. Very well-vinified. No sense of unripeness, even though it is only 12.5%.

Tasting: Tasmania & Victoria Pinot Noir

Savoury on nose, intense flavours of forest floor and truffles, plus wild herbs, with some cedar wood.

Tasting: Tasmania & Victoria Pinot Noir

Thyme and raspberry nose with complex oaky characters. Very aromatic. Subtle style with high acidity and very stiff structure. Needs time to integrate the very toasty oak and soften the phenolics.