De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2011 (Yarra Valley, Vic)
13%, Screwcap, $14
Source: Sample
www.debortoli.com.au

The RRP on these Windy Peak wines has dropped by $1 and the quality seems to have wandered off with it. Admittedly these are big volume blends, I could have scored a bad bottle/batch and the hard ’11 Yarra vintage isn’t helping, yet this is still ordinary wine in the context of last years release.

Light, red colour. Aspirin and red fruit on the nose, with a hint of undergrowth. A thin palate with more acidity than genuine fruit, save for a flash of raspberry to soften the sappy tannins.

No joy to be found here.

Drink: 2013-2014
Score: 14/20 79/100
Would I buy it? No.