Woodlawn Park Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

This is excellent. The interplay of spice and fruit, the poise and restraint, the structure and length—it had me typing fast to keep up. There’s an attractively sweet tone to the aromas from the outset. Ripe plum and raspberry coulis are quickly cut by clove-studded orange, dusty cassia, nutmeg, and star anise. A swirl of the glass unlocks tilled earth, adding dimension and savoury complexity, alongside dark cherry and a cherry pit minerality. Once it all clicks into place, the aromatic profile is gorgeous – laden with umami and brown spice depth. The palate delivers intensity with lift and brightness. Raspberry, dark cherry, clove, star anise, earth, and a twist of blood orange glide through a satin-like texture, before firm tannins shape the wine and guide it to a very long finish. The spice lingers in the mouth perfume. A brilliant Pinot Noir.