Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown Beechworth Pinot Noir 2023

A blend of fruit from the Palmer and Brunnen vineyards with 25% new oak in a four barrel blend. Sweet raspberry coulis followed by macerated strawberry straight up aromatically, with red cherry and nutmeg thereafter. The sweet coulis note sinks into the red fruits as well as delicate clove and river stone minerality after a good swirl of the glass. It threatens to descend into some deeper savouriness with a glimmer of au jus, but at its core this is pure and hightoned, with the emphasis on fragrant, pretty red fruits. The palate follows suit, with a display of taut, lifted raspberry and cinnamon glazed strawberry with a mineral underlay. There’s a thin vein of gossamer tannins and clean acidity to frame it all to a delicate finish. The 2023 vintage was tough on Pinot Noir, and yet VS&B have crafted a pure, bright and graceful expression.