Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

I can’t help but think that warmer years are helping Foggy Hill. Not that the wines from cooler years are not delicious, but they are generally quite savoury and need some time to put flesh on their bones. But no such problem with this vintage, which is one of the best.

Bright mid cherry in colour, it opens with stalky, exotic fruits – autumn leaves as always but then there is also dried strawberry and five spice aromas; a beautiful mix of sweet and savoury with oak in perfect unison. The palate then has great energy and drinkability from day one – not a bad sign at all. Red berry fruits dominate which are joined by potpourri, dried herbs including thyme plus spice, dried lavender and stony earth – it reminds me of a little French village called Gevrey-Chambertin. Long fine silky tannins provide a perfect finish to a great pinot experience. Food matching – don’t bother – bathe in its beauty.