Fleet Nostalgia Pinot Noir 2023

Here we have Fleet’s attempt at the purest expression of their place. Grown in the red basalt soils of Leongatha on a north facing slope with easterly aspect that was planted in 1990. 70% de-stemmed, naturally fermented for 18 days. 30% Whole bunch cluster fermentation for 21 days. Pressed to puncheons – 25% new. Don’t come here for power and structure, but for verve and charm. Sweet and pretty pops of raspberry and cherry blossom kick things off before yielding to deeper notes of rhubarb and dark cherry with some tilled earth and nutmeg spice beneath. The latter notes build with air and there’s a cherry pit minerality adding lift and dimension. This has the earthen Gippsland mark, but it’s also delicate and beautifully diaphanous. The palate is lifted, bright and mineral as it mirrors the aromas with pretty raspberry, wild strawberry, lavender, gentle earth and tangy plum skin before being encased in a sheath of ultra fine, chalky and nubile tannins adding frame and crunch. The acidity pushes through and draws the wine to delicate but significant length. This is a classy wine of ethereal charm, freshness and quiet complexity.