2013 Coolart Road Pinot Noir

MV6 clone on 101-14 rootstocks planted on sedimentary brown and yellow chromsols at 58-62 m. East facing but a gentle slope out to Phillip island. Elevation and aspect more important than soils for the difference between this and the McCutcheon vineyard – and the cooling influences are also more important. Owner Martin Spedding noted that this wine reflects 'where we are on the journey after 40 years in the Mornington Peninsula industry. 80% whole bunch. 20% of the must had 5 days cold maceration. Spontaneous fermentation. Short overall maceration of 15 days. 15 months in French oak (20% new). Spedding describes this wine as having ‘The brooding character that a lot of us love in Pinot’. Mid crimson with soft rim already. Pepper and spice on the nose and some oak sweetness and spice. Really tangy and full of fresh vitality, red fruit and a touch of orange and floral. There’s pure fruit but also a savoury complexity on the palate. Finest of dry but structuring tannins. Glorious. Firm and savoury and so refined in its slight austerity. Utterly fresh. (JH)