Paramoor Macedon Ranges Pinot Gris 2023

‘Unknown clones, hand-picked at 11.5 Baume, yield was pretty good (2t/acre) and vines in very good health. Pruning for long term health and under vine management with sheep. Fermented in seasoned old French barriques and 1 puncheon. 12% alc’.

The Macedon Ranges probably doesn’t seem synonymous with Pinot Gris (Pinot Noir, on the other hand…) but it would be good to see that change. The Paramoor version is a refreshing and energetic little number. Apple and pear open the show, alongside some citrus, peach and grass, and the minerality is evident on the nose. The palate ups the interest marvelously, with zinginess, zippiness, saltiness and brightness of fruit, and everything becomes a bit richer after some air. I mistakenly left it sitting in the lounge room overnight without even the screwcap on but it held up brilliantly on the second night, which is a glowing testament.

Brendan Black

Wine Critic at Winepilot

Brendan is a Melbourne-based writer, filmmaker, playwright and composer. Since 2013, he has been published in national and regional Australian titles such as Halliday Magazine, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Grapegrower and Winemaker, Gippslandia, Gippsland Lifestyle, Yarra Valley and Ranges and Gippsland Country Life magazines. Brendan was a finalist for 2024 Wine Communicator Awards in the 'Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column' category. He has completed the WSET Level 3 course (gaining a Distinction) and has a passion for small producers of wine, beer and spirits. He is also the co-editor of 'I'm Not a Film Star: David Bowie as Actor' for Bloomsbury Academic.

Author and wine writer