TN: 1997 Ashton Hills Pinot Reserve

Alan Rath · Post by **Alan Rath** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 1:19 pm

Been hanging onto this for some time, the first of two bottles opened about a year ago was oxidized, and well over the hill. This wine is terrific. Medium garnet in color; smoky pine needles and earthy spices on the nose; Flavors are concentrated cherry wtih touches of mineral, earth, and a brilliant acidic backbone that carries through on a long finish. Drinking beautifully now, but IMO could easily last another decade, without a doubt the best Australian Pinot I have had. Living in the Bay Area, and spending quite a bit of time in the heart of Pinot country - Russian River - I would have guessed this to be a high-end RRV wine if you had served it to me blind. 93/100

Regards,
Alan

Alan Rath · Post by **Alan Rath** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:14 pm

Oops, edited to add the vintage: 1997. Although I've been to Oz on business a few times, never been to any wine regions. Spending a week in SA is a dream I hope to fulfill some time.

Cheers,
Alan