Tamar Ridge Research Series Pinot Noir 2020

The Research Series is where the winemakers get to play, trialing new techniques in the vineyard and winery. This beauty used a combination of carbonic maceration (85%) to enhance the florals and delicate fruit with barrel fermentation (15%) to add some funk. The result is aromas of raspberries crushed in the hands of a cherubic toddler – spritzing everywhere. There’s kirsch and the nutty marzipan notes of cherry pits. Lifted rose petal florals are supported by the spice of green peppercorns and dried bay leaves.

On the palate it is quite light and frolics about with ultra-fine tannins adding a subtle savoury feel to spicy, tangy rhubarb and cherries. But then the finish pulls you back into serious wine reverence and won’t let go – juicy cherries, cranberries, musk, white pepper and a hint of mushrooms growing wild in the forest.