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| 10X Pinot Noir Running out fast apparently |
Ten Minutes by Tractor 10X Pinot Noir 2010 (Mornington Peninsula, Vic)
14%, Screwcap, $32
Source: Had a glass out of Julian Coldrey’s bottle
www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au
This is probably more of an adjunct to my little Mornington Peninsula post really, and a welcome one at that. A clear example of the very best of (accessible) Mornington Pinot at a more than accessible price.
What I like most about this wine is the freshness. Actually, scrap that, it’s a massive cliche. Instead, I’d like to praise it’s understatement, it’s delicacy, that transparency of flavours that Pinot Noir can do so well. In fact, all that you’d really ask for is a dash more flavour and structural concentration to propel it into superstar territory.
I’m questioning that statement further though, as whilst this 10X Pinot’s relative approachability marks it as an (enjoyable) drink-now proposition, that’s probably what it’s meant to be. It’s an entry level wine (of sorts) and meant for early-ish consumption, not cellar dwelling. Is $32 too much though for a lightish wine in many eyes?
Regardless, it’s certainly a correct looking wine, a lovely boysenberry red tinted Pinot that is rather youthful and pretty. It smells pretty too, though in a proper Pinot Noir mode, with brambly, cherry skin fruit, musky edges and a hint of undergrowth. There is a veneer of vanilla oak in there too, though not enough to detract – an easily inviting nose.
The joy here though is on the palate, which is propelled forward by it’s acidity and limpid red fruit vibrancy, a wine of lightish flavours that make you want to drink more to really savour. Interestingly the last Australian wine I had that reminded me of this limpid vibrancy came from the talented hand of Andrew Marks (he of Gembrook and Wanderer Wines). Light tannins to finish (and not a lot of them. More acidity than tannins) with a late kick to finish off.
What this wine lacks in penetration it makes up for in style. Lots of enjoyment here. Drink: Now – 2015. 18.2/93
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4 Comments
Not really accessible at all as it has been sold out for many months IIRC (JH gave it 97 or similar.)
Maybe you just like teasing us – you reviewed the Hoddles Creek and admitted it was sold out or just about.
Or maybe you're not recommending anything, just telling us about what you're drinking? Just curious.
I believe it is still available around the place. In stock according to winery website and found several other retailers sites still proclaiming to carry stock. Worth tracking some down.
Your right Andrew, there is still some 2010 available at cellar door and on website though soon to be replaced by 2011. It was the 2009 which Halliday gave 97 and which sold out very quickly.
Oh. My mistake. Halliday gave this 94 (an average score for pinots of this price point.) He, like you, reserved his praise for the palate over the nose.