Cannibal Creek Gippsland Reserve Pinot Noir 2023

The Cannibal Creek Reserve Pinot Noir is often a little more Burgundian and austere than its sibling – requiring more time in the cellar or in the decanter before opening up – but the 2023 is already looking mighty fine. There’s a superb mix of characters on display here: red cherry, black cherry, spice, earth, violets, fresh beetroot and stemminess. The palate is juicy, bright and velvety, with the almost imperceptible tannins turning chalky and crunchy on the second night, and the wine develops a delicious strawberry topping-like note, which brings the wine back into the fruit realm. I recommend giving it at least an hour or two of air before drinking it, and it’ll cellar comfortably for another 5-8 years or so.