Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir 2023

This wine smells like a summer picnic in a rose garden – petals galore, ripe red cherries, raspberries and pomegranate with a spicy kick of pink peppercorns. Mount Barrow is an exceptional vineyard at the higher altitude, eastern end of the Mount Barker subregion of the Great Southern region in Western Australia. Subtle oak spice (25% new) and approximately 15-20% whole bunch allows the quality of the fruit to speak for itself. In the mouth, it is seamless, with flavours unfurling like a peacock’s tail – the mark of a great Pinot Noir. Cranberries, redcurrants and freshly grated nutmeg evolve into rhubarb and earthy just-picked beetroot. Lavender, fennel, rosemary and sage drive a savoury herbal note. There is perfectly integrated acidity and powder-fine tannins. The complexity in this young wine promises cellaring will delight. It stands apart from many Australian Pinots for its elegance and Old World-esque flavours that will extend well beyond the flirty berries of youth.