Clarence House Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 375mls

The Wine

The bulk of the fruit underwent destemming for natural fermentation, reserving a minor portion of whole clusters to enhance aroma and structure. It was aged in both new and seasoned French oak barriques and puncheons, selecting only the barrels that contributed the most structure and purity for the reserve wine. This pinot noir is characterized by its aromatic profile, spiciness, subtle tannins, and vibrancy. It's medium-bodied, displaying a harmonious balance of fruit concentration and refined structure. Graceful and delicate, it pairs well with game meats, and decanting is advised.

93 Points Tyson Stelzer (Halliday Wine Companion) "From a selection from the oldest blocks, planted 1998; 115, 2051 and MV6 clones; 20% whole bunches; matured 12 months in 10% new French oak puncheons. There is a lively, energetic jubilance to this cool season, which sits neatly in the spicy black fruit depth of well-established vines. Whole bunches come to the party with their signature, spicy, floral overtones. Chiselled and linear, it's confidently built for the cellar." 

91 Points Huon Hooke (The Real Review) "Excellent colour: a deep, bright, luminous red/purple. The bouquet is rich in dark-cherry to dark-plum fruit, the palate is full and lavishly-fruited, with the same succulent black fruit flavours underlined by gentle but persuasive tannins. It's straightforward right now but quite delicious and has the potential to build more character with time." 

The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2021
Volume - 375ml

About the Wine Maker

This small vineyard is located just north of Hobart on a perfectly positioned north-east facing slope. The beautiful old Georgian homestead of Clarence House was built in 1830 at Clarence Plains, Mt Rumney, and has been maintained in its original splendour surrounded by beautiful gardens. In 1998 present owner David Kilpatrick began planting vines on the north east sloping block facing Mount Rumney just below the Coal River Valley. Over 8ha of the total 12ha of plantings consists of pinot noir and chardonnay, with the remainder including pinot blanc, sauvignon blanc, merlot and tempranillo. The vines are tended by Mark Hoey, who incorporates organic and biodynamic approaches in the vineyard. All wines are now made by Anna Pooley and Justin Bubb at the nearby Pooley cellar in Cambridge