Gembrook Hill Pinot Noir 2008 (Yarra Valley, Vic)
$50, Diam, 13%
Source: Retail

Really interesting to try this after Gembrook Hill winemaker Andrew Marks’ ‘The Wanderer’ 08 Yarra Pinot sampled recently. Both share the same unforced, sappy and elegant style that I personally find very very attractive. I think I like this more, though it’s a close race. Both will honestly improve in the cellar too – not just soften but improve (a small but important difference). Price is – in the context of Australian Pinot – more than fair too. Great form all round.

Light ruby red in colour – really light and juicy looking. Nose is fragrant and pure, with raspberry and cherry fruit in a lovely Pinoty form. Spice and glacé cherries too. Beautiful. Palate is juicy, underplayed, dry and textural with dry unsweetened fruit finishing with chewy tannins. It’s a somewhat ungenerous palate, but in a form that makes you want more.

A lovely elegant Pinot, there is much to like here. Big buy from me. 18.2/93+

(Score is conservative (ish) just to allow for bottle age induced inflation).