Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2021

Some winemakers view pinot meunier as the third string grape variety in a classic sparkling wine. No more, no less. In Victoria’s western regions, it’s celebrated as a stand-alone grape. The Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard was planted in 1966, thus, we are looking at mature vines producing the fruit for this handsome, aromatic youngster. Musk, spice, autumnal scents mix with bright plummy fruit and red berries. Expect a medium-bodied, soft and plummy red with an undergrowth leafiness. Reads like a light dry red on paper but in the glass it’s a beautifully focused, concentrated wine. Tannins are deceptively supple hiding a firmness that will carry it far. Pinot meunier from this part of the world can easily age 10+ years. And there’s the acidity, nicely controlled and surrounded by lovely, fresh berries, herbs and spice that can’t help but be noticed, especially on the finish. It’s clean, fresh and long. While pinot meunier is related to pinot noir, it retains its own identity and this is a great example.