Bellarine Estate Phil’s Pinot Noir 2022

Perfumed, pure and bunchy, there is no getting away from the imprint of the winemaker’s hand, or rather decision, to include 20% whole bunches during winemaking. The result is a distinctive and unapologetically herbal, stemmy-infused Pinot Noir. Thankfully, there is enough fruit concentration to match which leads to a complex whole. Black cherry, stewed plum, earthy undergrowth, herbals and vanilla-mocha aromas. The palate starts red fruited, building taut and edgy with rustic, savoury tannins and gaining in herbal intensity – nettle, sorrel, sage – as it threads its way to a distinctly cool climate firm finish.