Ive really enjoyed working through these single block Clyde Park wines. They’re all quite different, which is unsurprising given that there are a whole suite of different winemakers crafting the wines. This Clyde Park Single Block F Pinot Noir 2019 is all MV6 clones, matured in 75% new oak with 25% whole bunches.
It’s a deadly serious wine too. You don’t see the oak, which is surprising, but you do see the weight and power. Stern, slightly stemmy tannins underpin a lean, but not unripe, palate of savouriness, earthen charm and a sinewy, cranberry edged finish. Complex, if not immediately seductive, the layers of tannin and earth and heft make this interesting. I like it. I like the texture, in particular. Best drinking: good now. I wonder if it will dry out too much with bottle age. Could be an each way bet given the power of the thing. 18.5/20, 94/100. 12.5%, $75. Clyde Park website. Would I buy it? Well worth a few glasses.
Help keep Australian Wine and Drinks Review free
Rather than bombard you with ads or erect a paywall, I simply ask for a donation to keep this site running.
Donate here and help produce more brutally honest drinks reviews
2 Comments
Good one. Where do you stand on light and fragrant pinots? I remember drinking a 2011 VIC vintage (the wet year obv) from the Mornington which people were avoiding, but we really loved it – very complex despite its lightness. I realise this is probably hard to achieve…and might put off many punters in Oz…(more Burgundy style? I like either btw, if they’re good)
I really like light and fragrant Pinots done well.
The only challenge can be bitterness creeping in on early picked wines. But delicacy is a wonderful thing.
Agree that it will definitely put off punters, who expect Pinot to taste like Shiraz-lite…