Henschke Giles Pinot Noir 2019

What a triumph in the year before the Henschke Lenswood vineyard was hammered by fire, although some of the pinot noir vines survived that terrible day. Lenswood is at the cooler and more humid end of the Adelaide Hills which over the years has shown itself to be increasingly well suited to pinot noir, potentially due to warmer vintages.

This example is a beautifully shy, enticing and perfumed pinot that is immediately complex with spicy, earthy, cranberry fruits plus a hint of star anise. In the mouth it shows restrained fleshy red fruits, plus meat and spice, all well balanced with moderate acidity that provides generous weight before finishing long with silky tannins. It is a superb Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir to enjoy over the medium term with gamey dishes, such as barbecued quail or Cantonese roast duck.