Holyman Project X Pinot Noir 2023

Lovely translucent ruby colour. Earthy elements are striking from the outset with beetroot, twigs and forest floor setting the scene before air unlocks a lovely foil of raspberry coulis, dark cherry, red rose and brown spice — ground nutmeg and cinnamon quill. There’s some crushed hazelnut and blood orange thereafter, adding an Italianate appeal. The palate is soft and round but with a nervy shot through its centre thanks to quite forward, firm and febrile tannins that assert themselves and constrict around the palate. Raspberry, beetroot, dark cherry, nuts, ripe red rose and earth are all pulled into firm linearity and drawn long thanks to the tannins and firm, persistent acidity. The bones are there, but this needs time to unfurl. Bridled power is the term that comes to mind, and this will likely become something great in years to come.