The best examples of Australian pinot noir have fragrant varietal characters along with complexity and texture. Use a large, bowl-shaped glass to enhance pinot’s aromatics.
01 Devil’s Corner 2006 Pinot Noir, $18
From the Apple Isle comes this vibrant, intense wine with abundant strawberry and raspberry flavours. Bright acidity gives a lift to the palate and a little smokiness adds complexity. It should be excellent with Peking duck.
02 Sticks 2005 Pinot Noir, $20
This is a bright and playful pinot from the Yarra Valley. Fruit purity is the key to this wine with its red cherry and mulberry characters. The palate has lovely softness and the balanced acidity gives the wine a lift. Drink with poached trout.
03 Centennial Vineyards 2005 Woodside Pinot Noir, $22
Woodside pinot noir is an individual wine with personality and flair. Its aroma is a complex array of cassis, mint, pepper and berries. It has superb sour cherry flavours and the palate is weighty and textural. This is an affordable drop for true pinot lovers.
04 Mornington Estate 2005 Pinot Noir, $22
Mornington Estate consistently produces good, affordable pinot noir. The 2005 is a fruit-driven style with excellent palate weight. There is some faint spice and the fruit is complemented by subtle herbs. It is perfectly satisfying.
05 Red Hill Estate 2005 Pinot Noir, $22
This fragrant Mornington Peninsula beauty is a delight to drink, with bright red cherries and hints of warm spice on the aroma. The medium-weight palate is ripe and juicy with perfectly balanced acidity. Serve with delicately flavoured foods such as veal cutlets with a light jus.
06 Bay Of Fires 2005 Tigress Pinot Noir, $27
Tigress is a very expressive pinot from Tasmania. Subtle oak adds complexity to the wild red berry aroma. The palate is textural and refined, with gorgeous mid-palate fruit sweetness. Serve with a spiced duck salad.
07 Dromana Estate 2005 Pinot Noir, $33
This is a varietally expressive pinot from Dromana Estate. There are aromatic herbs on the nose along with just-ripe raspberries. The palate is soft, round and sweet fruited. To complement its generosity, pair with a roasted lamb rack.
08 Port Phillip Estate 2005 Pinot Noir, $35
This is an exquisite pinot that has great intensity and depth of flavour. There are violet and rose petal scents on the nose and the palate is refined with good texture. The flavours are persistent and the tannins fine.
09 The Cups Estate 2005 Pinot Noir, $35
Joe Fisicaro and his team have created a very complex and aromatic pinot at Mornington Peninsula’s Cups Estate. The nose is highly aromatic with intense stemmy and herbaceous characters. There is plenty of cherry fruit and the tannins are fine and silky. Serve this great pinot in a big glass to fully appreciate the aromatic complexity.
10 Stonier Reserve 2005 Pinot Noir, $45
It is the ethereal top notes on this stylish Mornington pinot that engages the drinker from the start. The berry fruits are lifted and fragrant. The palate is laden with sweet, ripe strawberries and the tannins are delicate and fine.
See 40 winter reds, Part two: cabernet sauvignon
Source: Qantas the Australian Way July 2007
Updated: July 2008