Lerida Estate Pinot Noir

Lerida Estate Cullerin Pinot Noir 2009 (Canberra District)
13.9%, Screwcap, $35
Source: Sample
www.leridaestate.com.au

Produced off the Lerida Lake George vineyard, which is a patch of dirt that has historically always produced good Pinot Noir. Canberra Pinot is an endangered species however, as more vintners realise that all but the very coolest spots aren’t suited to the variety. This wine doesn’t help the cause either.

It’s still a very tight Pinot, with a nose that is firmly backward, densely meaty and carrying the menthol and mothballs of overripe fruit. There’s some spicy red fruit escaping too but little else.  As it warms up and it looks more open and inviting though riper again. The palate too is firm and slightly dessicated, the acidity raw and the tannins ungenerous and astringent.

Generally lacking in delicacy, I can’t find much enthusiasm for this red. 14.8/83