The fruit for the 2023 Noirien Pinot Noir was grown on two north-facing slopes on a property that we manage adjacent to the Scorpo Estate Vineyard in Merricks North. The cooler than average 2023 season resulted in each block being picked slightly later than average, despite their tiny yields, which varied from 2.3 to 3.3 tonnes/hectare (equivalent to about 1 tonne/acre across all blocks). Divided up into 4 parcels, the fruit was picked over 2 weeks, between March 11th and March 26th; three parcels were cold-soaked for several days prior to fermentation in open fermenters, whilst one parcel was fermented as whole bunches. After pressing, followed by 7 months of maturation in mostly older French oak barriques (11% new), all barriques were racked and blended, prior to bottling without filtration in early December, 2023.
Whilst some vintages tend to highlight either brighter red, or darker fruit characters, this 2023 release of Noirien seems to encapsulate both spectrums, creating a rather intriguing Pinot Noir. The influence of whole bunch is evident on the nose with lovely fruit lift, as well as on the palate, whilst underlying this there is some more brooding dark cherry, plum and olive fruit flavours. As a young wine, the tannins have a certain presence and add a savoury touch, but the fruit weight, especially once it starts to open up, is more than ample to carry them confidently.
