Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir 2023

15 to 20 percent whole bunch, gentle pneumatic plunging and careful application of air throughout ferment.  6-9 months in 25 percent new oak.  Perfume leaps from the glass with all manner of charred orange zest, amaro bitters, dried wild herbs, grilled blood orange, potpourri florals, simmering minerality, fine exotic spice and sour red cherry framed in chocolatey oak. The palate follows through in seductive and elegant tones of dried purple florals, oolong tea, crushed lavender, smoked jasmine, smoked wild sage, wild briar wood spice, and sea spray.  It’s hard not to steal a cheeky swallow of this liquid beauty, as it’s siren call is heady. Uber fine dusty and red earthed tannins and layered, and silvery acidity aligned. A balanced and poised wine with a pillowy, soft-palmed handshake in front of a firm structure. It leaves you with a sense that there are plenty of secrets to discover behind a charming smile and almost flirtatious gaze.