Nautilus Clay Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
- 95
- $110
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This is a finely wrought Pinot Noir that melds mineral finesse with autumnal savouriness. In the same earthy, spicy register as the estate Pinot, but with the complexity and detail turned up. It opens with layered aromas of snapped twig, nutmeg, cassia bark, cigar ash, forest floor, pine mushroom, damp earth and decaying leaves. A concentrated core of dark cherry runs through the wine, anchoring the savouriness and matched by a mineral edge reminiscent of cherry stone. The interplay of brown spice, dark fruit and earthy depth is beautifully composed. The palate is cool and vertical in feel, with dark cherry and clove gliding across the tongue, joined by forest floor, subtle mocha and lingering pine mushroom. The tannins are fine but structured—pumice-like in texture—while a wave-like surge of earthy acidity drives exceptional line and length. Very long, in fact. A wine of poise, detail and quiet power—deeply expressive of site and style.
Tom Kline is a wine writer, reviewer, presenter, and educator based in Victoria, Australia. He is the Australian correspondent for the internationally respected publications Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy and Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux, where he highlights the top tier of Australian wine for a global audience. Tom also writes for leading outlets including Decanter (UK), Wine Spectator (US), and Halliday Magazine, among others. An experienced wine show judge and WSET educator, he has authored several consumer-focused wine courses aimed at making wine more accessible and engaging. In 2023, Tom was awarded Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column at the prestigious Wine Communicator Awards, presented by Wine Communicators of Australia.
