Pinot Lovers take note
Posted: 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
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