Silkwood Estate The Bowman Pemberton Pinot Noir 2019

Great to see West Aussie winemakers having a real crack at serious, top-notch pinot. 

This one is a blend of three clones – MV6 (40%), 777 (30%) and D5V12 (10%). Or so says the info. Not quite sure where the other 20% comes from but you get the picture – a mix of top Burgundian clones. As with the chardonnay, each clone was harvested and fermented separately. They averaged 10% whole bunch across the three and it does provide a slight hint of sappiness which adds to the complexity. Cold soaking for 6 days, the initial fermentation was with wild yeasts. There was a subsequent inoculation of commercial yeasts. The wine was then pressed into French barriques for malo (40% new, 60% older). There was then a further 8 months maturation in French oak barriques, 40% new. 

Colour is a soft red. The aromas indicate that this is going to be an attractive, plush style of pinot, and so it is. Plums, raspberries, dry herbs, chocolate and those slightly sappy notes. Good complexity here. Silky tannins, this is very much the cushiony textured pinot many love. Good length too. It should age well for at least five years and drink nicely for longer.