Pinot Lovers take note

Grant Dodd · Post by **Grant Dodd** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 9:27 am

I was sent a wine for review this week that really deserves some publicity. As far as Australian pinot noir goes,this is the best that I have tried,with apologies to the marquee names like Bass Philip etc that I have yet to experience.

Merricks Creek "Nick Farr" Pinot Noir 2001

Merricks Creek is a 2 hectare pinot only vineyard from the Mornington peninsula, with the vines close planted in the Burgundian fashion. The owners have retained Gary Farr as a consultant on vineyard matters and use his son Nick as wine maker.

In my opinion,Pinot Noir is the hardest variety to get exactly right. There seems to be a tightrope walking exercise involved,as the winemaker tries to keep the essential pinot character as the essence of the wine without allowing it to fall away into the insipid,watery state of some, or to see it assume qualities more reminiscent of shiraz by going too far in the other direction. Bigger is not always better with pinot,and this wine absolutely nails it in relation to varietal character.

In the glass it has a gloriously clear and vibrant colour; it exudes good health. Hues of reddish/purple. It is undeniably a pinot on the nose,quite an exciting nose suggesting even better things to come. Classy ripe plum fruit hits the mouth with some savoury notes,but what really set this wine apart is the overall balance. Nothing seems out of place;I struggled to find something that didn't seem right. It has the most powdery,fine tannin structure I can recall in a young wine,yet still has grip and authority. The finish is exemplary,again the word "balance" seems to jump to the fore. I am so impressed by this wine,and all this from relatively young vines. Only 75 doz were made,and the winery has recently sold out, but I can heartily recommend that you keep your eyes open for one lying around somewhere. I rate this wine Outstanding,and at $45, still excellent value for money.

Cheers

Attila · Post by **Attila** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 9:45 am

I do love a great pinot, so Thank You for the post Grant.
Balance is very important and a great wine must keep that balance. I've seen many Aussie Pinots that fell apart after 4 years of age as well. Keeping the balance and the faith is the hardest thing for some pinot noirs. Let's hope this Merrick's will still perform in 2006.
Cheers,
Attila

ChrisH · Post by **ChrisH** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 11:25 am

Hi Grant

Have you tried Bannockburn ? - its sounds similar in style (not surprising given the makers).

regards
Chris

Grant Dodd · Post by **Grant Dodd** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:06 pm

Attila,

I have absolutely no doubt that this wine will make 2006 without showing any wear and tear,in fact,I think it will comfortably see out the decade. It is a very classy wine,not a show pony at all. I too am a little hesitant about cellaring Oz pinot as many I have had just don't last the distance,but I would put my money where my mouth is on this one. It would be a great wine to take along to a blind Burgundy tasting. Whilst a good palate would sniff out the New World origins,I think it would make people sit up and take notice.

Chris,

I've never tried the Bannockburn pinot's,although I'd say there is a fair chance I will now! Whenever I've been tempted to pay @$50 for a pinot I tend to go for Burgundy,that too may change now. I think I've just overlooked the Bannockburn's,I drink a lot of their shiraz and some chardonnay,I do rate Gary Farr very highly as a winemaker.

Cheers

Grant Dodd · Post by **Grant Dodd** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 4:42 pm

I got an e-mail from someone today that said James Halliday had given this wine 96 points in his most recent Wine Companion. All I can say is,what good taste he has !!

Cheers