Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

2023 was a cooler vintage than some on the Fleurieu Peninsula, indeed the coolest of four such years for the Foggy Hill vineyard. The cooler year led the team to forego any whole bunches in the ferment. The wine spent eight months maturing in barriques, one third new, before bottling. Winemaker Brian Croser has described this as a typical expression of the unique Foggy Hill terroir. Personally, I thought this stood up and was at least as impressive, if not more so, than any of this line I have seen. 1,300 six-packs made. Bright crimson in colour, there are notes of truffles, animal hides, forest floor, and a mix of cranberries and raspberries. There is complexity already apparent here and good intensity, though it remains, at all times, immaculately balanced. A silky texture and yet it also walks the tightrope to offer that intensity with fine, sleek, slippery tannins and impressive length. The line of acidity which runs the full journey ensures the wine has good energy. Drink any time from now for the next six to eight years, although probably considerably longer given the evidence provided by its sibling. Love this.