The Auswine Forum

Hello all,

It's been quite some time since I asked you all for advice on pinots to try that suited my taste. I feel like I'm slowly starting to "get it" when it comes to pinot - I've gone from liking my pinot bigger and bolder (being a shiraz and cab lover) to wanting it much lighter and more nuanced. Pinots that I really enjoyed at first I'm finding too overpowering now.

So with that said, I'm looking for my next pinot experience. Recently I've tried Ata Rangi (very enjoyable, but was quite bold and full), and very thoroughly enjoyed a Yabby Lake single vineyard pinot - this one was really in line with my taste and what I like in a pinot at the moment.

With that small amount of detail in mind, and with a budget no more than $100, what are your suggestions for my next few bottles?

I recommend giving Michael Hall's 2012 Pinot a shot. A lighter style with roses, beetroot, earth etc. It's light but not lacking in power.

Rob Dolan White Label Pinot - Around $33. Excellent value Pinot that is subtle, elegant and carries mixed forest fruit characters throughout with a persistent finish.

Hi there,

I'm not a fan of the larger Pinots. I value the "lighter and nuanced" you are seeking. I'd highly recommend trying Pinots from the 2012 vintage from Yarra or Mornington.

In yarra, look for the Pinots from the "upper Yarra Valley"...Mayer / Gembrook Hill / Wanderer (upper yarra) / Giant Steps (Gladysdale) / the 4 Oakridge "local vineyard series" Pinots (my favourite was the Willowlake). All $38-55.

In Mornington, the Pinots from Red Hill or Main Ridge are on the lighter end of the scale. Hurley / Eldridge Estate / ocean 8 are all doing good things, but I have not tried the 2012's yet. The Eldridge Estate 2010 is superb, though.

As a quick addition, I recently tried Chatto 2012 from Tasmania. Superb. Grab some if you see it.

Aussie Pinot is doing great stuff at the mo. get involved before it gets too expensive.

simon1980

Thanks guys, much cheaper than expected, which is always a plus!

Had one last night worth mentioning...2010 Delamere PN, Tasmania.
Probably hard to source, but don't think more than $30-35.

Also, look for the latest Giaconda PN, it's more in the $70+ category, but it's a knockout

Had a 2010 Dawson & James, Tasmania on Christmas day. Probably the best Pinot I've had this year. It has the most wonderful nose which is I tend to look for in a Pinot. Cost probably under $50.

Picardy, either their standard or Tete de Cuvee. Prefereably with a bit of age on them.

Cheers

Dave

Try Central Otago. My first Pinot "moment" was with Felton Road, admittedly with Block 3 which is right at your limit at current pricing, but the Estate and Calvert are both stunning wines, as is any Calvert (Craggy Range and Pyramid Valley). Well worth a try.

Cheers
Andrew

I second everything Simon says! I too thought the Willowlake from Oakridge was excellent. Eldridge great, Ocean Eight very good. 2012 in Mornington is very good across the board.

Slightly OT

Has anyone had the 2012 Tolpuddle pinot noir?

Have you tried Cold Stream Hills Reserve Pinot from Yarra Valley?