Pinot Noir

** Available for delivery from September 2022 ** 

98-99 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The bouquet smoulders with an intoxicating mix of autumnal fruits, spiced plum, sour cherries, rose petal, bergamot, blood orange and the full array of Asian spice. Light soy (soy, soused plum), liquorice stick and rehydrated porcini mushroom provide savoury intrigue along with an obvious saltiness - the marine lift is unmissable.  The palate feel is ample and enveloping – wonderfully seamless and surprisingly elegant. The tannins melt into a sumptuous core of fruit – black raspberry liquor too. The acidity is pitched perfectly – blood orange sorbet (almost effervescent – you’ll see). The finish is incredibly long and carries on for minute after minute.  In my experience, there are a handful of Pinot Noirs that offer such striking individuality – a nonconformist, but far from being wacky, and just for the sake of being ‘different.’  This wine is a striking demonstration of how far Pinot Noir can be pushed – it feels dark, brooding and mysterious. The complexity is entrancing. A very special experience and wine. Drink now to 2030+. Decant for 1-2 hours. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

These bottles represent the pinnacle of our rather impressive range. We have personally scored every bottle in this case at least 97 points so we’re confident that you will be beyond impressed with every one of these six different Pinot Noirs. This is a great starting point for tasting the sky high quality of Pinot Noir currently being produced by our talented Australian winemakers. Our own tasting notes for each of the wines in the case can be found below and they provide the perfect description of each wine.

• 1 x Ghost Rock Bonadale 2cl Pinot Noir 2018 (97++ Points)
• 1 x Wantirna Lily Pinot Noir 2019 (97-98 Points)
• 1 x Mulline Sutherlands Creek Pinot Noir 2019 (97++ / 98 Points)
• 1 x Cobaw Ridge Pinot Noir 2017 (97 Points)
• 1 x Soumah Equilibrio Pinot Noir 2019 (97-98 Points)
• 1 x JC's Own Morialta Pinot Noir 2020 

96+ Points - Stuart McCloskey “Welcome back my dear friend – you have been missed. The bouquet is Christmas in a glass – sweet and sour cherry, a little game peering through, cinnamon stick, cedar, orange peel and blood orange sorbet. Delectable, in a word. The palate mirrors the bouquet with the addition of pomegranate and cooling, spiced red-fruits (there’s a crunch to them – cranberry in particular). Etched to perfection and I believe this overdelivers (as it has done every vintage). A little frisky due to the sorbet-like feel, which is just a joy and unmistakable. I detect graphite and dried mint on the long finish. Beguiling it is not however, and given its price tag, this overdelivers on flavour, personality and character. It’s an effortless bottling of delicious, well-priced Pinot Noir. I love it. Drink now to 2026. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

96+ Points - Stuart McCloskey “Welcome back my dear friend – you have been missed. The bouquet is Christmas in a glass – sweet and sour cherry, a little game peering through, cinnamon stick, cedar, orange peel and blood orange sorbet. Delectable, in a word. The palate mirrors the bouquet with the addition of pomegranate and cooling, spiced red-fruits (there’s a crunch to them – cranberry in particular). Etched to perfection and I believe this overdelivers (as it has done every vintage). A little frisky due to the sorbet-like feel, which is just a joy and unmistakable. I detect graphite and dried mint on the long finish. Beguiling it is not however, and given its price tag, this overdelivers on flavour, personality and character. It’s an effortless bottling of delicious, well-priced Pinot Noir. I love it. Drink now to 2026. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

A truly unique site planted in the 1980s to Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer, sitting on the north side of Mount Macedon near Hesket, this close planted vineyard almost kisses the clouds at 800m above sea level. Showcasing the unique microclimate and soil profile of the area, the north-facing vines grown on granite outcrop produce grapes with great acid and fragrance.

Winemaker: Cherry fruits and floral notes fil the palate. There are complexities galore all sitting on a precise palate of lacy fine tannins with lovely acid core. The palate is long and persistent with evolving complexities as time goes by in the glass. A fine example of cool climate, single vineyard, high altitude Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir.

A truly unique site planted in the 1980s to Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer, sitting on the north side of Mount Macedon near Hesket, this close planted vineyard almost kisses the clouds at 800m above sea level. Showcasing the unique microclimate and soil profile of the area, the north-facing vines grown on granite outcrop produce grapes with great acid and fragrance.

Winemaker: Cherry fruits and floral notes fil the palate. There are complexities galore all sitting on a precise palate of lacy fine tannins with lovely acid core. The palate is long and persistent with evolving complexities as time goes by in the glass. A fine example of cool climate, single vineyard, high altitude Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir.

97 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The tempo changes and concentration is heightened as the 2020 Little Hampton deserves attention – it’s not a wine to guzzle without consideration. The bouquet develops at a glacial pace, it needs 1-2 hours in the decanter or pour into your glass and leave for the same time. Orange zest, paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, thyme, dried mint, liquorice, juniper and earth escape from the glass. The palate provides freshness in abundance, the red fruits have a coolness about them. Sweetness comes by way of raspberry – tartness / acidity is delivered, albeit judicially, by cranberry and pomegranate. Wonderfully crisp, even the tannins provide a fresh lift. I enjoy the sense of calmness – it’s one of those wines which insists on you slowing down and taking the time to appreciate its complexity. This is one for the cellar and I look forward to revisiting in 12-18 months’ time. Drink 2023 to 2030. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

97 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The tempo changes and concentration is heightened as the 2020 Little Hampton deserves attention – it’s not a wine to guzzle without consideration. The bouquet develops at a glacial pace, it needs 1-2 hours in the decanter or pour into your glass and leave for the same time. Orange zest, paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, thyme, dried mint, liquorice, juniper and earth escape from the glass. The palate provides freshness in abundance, the red fruits have a coolness about them. Sweetness comes by way of raspberry – tartness / acidity is delivered, albeit judiciously, by cranberry and pomegranate. Wonderfully crisp, even the tannins provide a fresh lift. I enjoy the sense of calmness – it’s one of those wines which insists on you slowing down and taking the time to appreciate its complexity. This is one for the cellar and I look forward to revisiting in 12-18 months’ time. Drink 2023 to 2030. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

Jane Faulkner, James Halliday Wine Companion – “Such a solid performer. It’s wonderfuly fragrant; all florals, exotic spices, cherries and cola. Unencumbered by new oak flavour (aged in used French hogsheads and puncheons), it’s all about the purity of fruit and drive across a fuller-bodied palate. It’s laced with velvety tannins and the finish is long as it is fresh.”

Jane Faulkner, James Halliday Wine Companion – “Such a solid performer. It’s wonderfuly fragrant; all florals, exotic spices, cherries and cola. Unencumbered by new oak flavour (aged in used French hogsheads and puncheons), it’s all about the purity of fruit and drive across a fuller-bodied palate. It’s laced with velvety tannins and the finish is long as it is fresh.”

Winemaker: Charred dark cherry fruits flow onto the palate. A rich velvet mid palate is encased with grippy meaty tannins. Smokey notes add depth and hints of forest floor are beginning to evolve. A very long palate with fine acidity for balance.

Winemaker: Charred dark cherry fruits flow onto the palate. A rich velvet mid palate is encased with grippy meaty tannins. Smokey notes add depth and hints of forest floor are beginning to evolve. A very long palate with fine acidity for balance.

97 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "This is totally seductive and delicious; it's wonderfully matured with dark berry, charcuterie, cedar, dried herb and leather notes on the nose. The multi-layered palate delivers outstanding concentration and persistency backed by seamlessly pitched tannins, offering structure as well as lavish texture. At its best: now to 2026."

97 Points - Bob Campbell MW, Gourmet Traveller Wine "Pegasus Bay’s winemaking team uses traditional Burgundian methods, including small vat fermentation and ageing the wine in French oak barriques for 18 months. Made “in small quantities in the best vintages from the oldest vines”, this flagship pinot noir is a powerful combination of intense plum, cherry and berry flavours with haunting floral notes, Oriental spices and an intriguing savoury, forest floor, rustic character. A delicious pinot with ageing potential."

96 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Wonderfully complex and engaging, the wine shows dried cherry, toasted spice, smoked game and roasted nut characters on the nose. It's superbly silky and flowing on the palate with matured fruit flavours combined with a spicy undertone, finishing impressively long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2024."

94 Points - James Halliday "Hand-picked fruit, 25% whole bunches, wild-yeast fermented in open-top vats. Total 8 days on skins, mlf and 8 months in oak (half in 2nd-use French oak and half in older French barriques). Enticing solid red colour. Delicious red berry scents, dried flowers, violet, wild herbs. A tight, focused young pinot that is approachable now in its pristine prettiness but really warrants extra time. Juicy palate, fleshy ripe tannins complete a wine still developing."

94 Points - James Halliday "Hand-picked fruit, 25% whole bunches, wild-yeast fermented in open-top vats. Total 8 days on skins, mlf and 8 months in oak (half in 2nd-use French oak and half in older French barriques). Enticing solid red colour. Delicious red berry scents, dried flowers, violet, wild herbs. A tight, focused young pinot that is approachable now in its pristine prettiness but really warrants extra time. Juicy palate, fleshy ripe tannins complete a wine still developing."

96+ Points - Stuart McCloskey “Another wine which has come-on leaps and bounds since last year. The wine opens to Morello cherry, raspberry (almost Bakewell tart) – the fruit feels mineral driven and incredibly fresh. With time, the wine feels a touch brooding – dark fruits turning to jasmine tea and onto fresh sage leaf. The palate feels poised – the acidity working in harmony with the ripe, red and black fruits. Unlike two of Pat’s Chardonnays, this feels understated but charming, nonetheless. Give it a few years and allow it to open its arms. The length is triumphant and tingles with a little spice and sorbet-esque frisk. Those who cellar for 5-years will be rewarded with a very, very good bottle of Pinot Noir for twenty quid. One of my top tips of 2021… Drink now to 2027/28. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

Jaysen Collins - "I spent a few years living in the eastern foothills of Adelaide and would regularly grab a beer at the pub at the top of the hill, watching the sunset move across the city to the coast. I used to pass a newish vineyard on the way there, but never gave it much notice. Now twenty years later, after seeking out a new pinot vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, I found myself back at the same pub after sampling or picking grapes at this vineyard. A little full circle moment for me.

Leading up to harvest, I had been ruminating on a style of medium bodied pinot that reflected the vivid intensity the sun gives shimmering off the ocean. I always chase brightness in wines, so high altitude fruit suits this as a start – box ticked. I had imported a few concrete fermenters for the clarity and energy they give to Grenache. As Grenache ripens after pinot, i had a chance to ferment this wine in cement, to see if it would give the same vitality. The style is pretty much as I intended - is it the vineyard, is it the fermenter – a bit of both? Pull a cork and decide for yourself."

97++ Points - Stuart McCloskey “The perfume blooms with a heady mix of sous bois, sour cherry, warm earth, mushroom and spice – rich and savoury delivered in equal proportions. The palate is silky, incredibly expansive with perfectly pitched acidity. It is bright, fresh, lifted, fine-boned, spicy, deeply complex and bursting with energy. The length is incredible, it goes on and on and ultimately finishes with iron notes and a smidgeon of rose petal and orange rind. Such is the hands-off approach; this wine is driven by terroir and the vintage. Super classical and very Burgundian without any attempts to emulate.  Perhaps, one of the most ‘Burgundian’ styles to emerge from Australia, and certainly one of the most intellectual. Clearly, Owen Latta is a talented winemaker and despite his youthful age, he is one of Australia’s most talented, praise shared by serious wine critics… This is outstanding and will continue to evolve for a further 8-10 years. Decant for 1-2 hours. Served using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

Jaysen Collins - "I spent a few years living in the eastern foothills of Adelaide and would regularly grab a beer at the pub at the top of the hill, watching the sunset move across the city to the coast. I used to pass a newish vineyard on the way there, but never gave it much notice. Now twenty years later, after seeking out a new pinot vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, I found myself back at the same pub after sampling or picking grapes at this vineyard. A little full circle moment for me.

Leading up to harvest, I had been ruminating on a style of medium bodied pinot that reflected the vivid intensity the sun gives shimmering off the ocean. I always chase brightness in wines, so high altitude fruit suits this as a start – box ticked. I had imported a few concrete fermenters for the clarity and energy they give to Grenache. As Grenache ripens after pinot, i had a chance to ferment this wine in cement, to see if it would give the same vitality. The style is pretty much as I intended - is it the vineyard, is it the fermenter – a bit of both? Pull a cork and decide for yourself."

97-98 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The bouquet is a captivating mélange of wild berries, raspberries, wild strawberry, rose petal, orange rind with subtle and savoury nuances developing in the background. The tannins are silken and gently clutch to the fruit which glide effortlessly across the palate. Wild berry flavours fan out with a positive undercurrent of sorbet-like blood orange which I love. Clearly, Wantirna style centres on femininity, charm and a gracefulness without losing sight of the fruit or its place. Spectacularly harmonious with a long, mineral laced finished. Lily is just beginning her journey and will provide so much drinking pleasure over the coming 10-15 years. I am looking forward to resampling in a year or so. Decant for 1-2 hours and ideally serve using Zalto Burgundy glassware.”

97-98 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The most intense Pinot Noir of the trio. The dark fruit is lightly spiced and the most seductive of the trinity – sweet cherry and orange peel are unmistakable. The palate is incredibly fresh and juicy. I love the infusion of cranberry and redcurrant combined with the iron rich finish. Ripe and showing a more exotic side to Soumah’s winemaking. Lots of finesse and already showing bags of charm and character, but its glory years are yet to come. I am going to be harsh and award 97-98 points. It’s not there yet but I have no doubt it will be within 5-8 years”.

96-97 Points – Magdalena Sienkiewicz "This wine really opens up and expands when decanted, even one hour makes a difference. The aromas reveal wild, dark berries, juicy cherries and raspberry with a wonderful lift from rose petals and mint. There is a good dusting of sweet spice too along with pencil lead and gentle cedar notes. Pretty fruit opens the palate with a little citrus zing, juicy cranberries and a good bite of blood orange. The palate feel is generous, succulent and unforced. The finish is long and the tannins powdery. It’s delicious today, but I’m super curious to see how it develops over the next 5 years. Sampled using Zalto Burgundy glassware."