2015 Rikard Pinot Noir

Rikard wines specialise in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with this wine sourced from vineyards located above 1000m altitude in the Orange wine region. The wine was produced from a number of clones, was fermented using wild yeast with 20% whole bunches. It was then aged in French oak, of which 25% was new for 10 months. The final wine was bottled without filtering or fining.

A beautiful light red in the glass with excellent clarity, the use of whole bunch has given some savoury flare to the nose, with lifted spice from new oak and the cool climate input of dark cherry fruit providing a complex proposition.

There is an initial sweetness of fruit and finely structured spice on the palate with a litheness of dark cherry fruit that builds in concentration and texture, an earthen aspect brings a Burgundian like experience to the wine as it intertwines effortlessly with the wines red berry fruits and provides a counterpoint to the wines present, but precise acidity. There is considerable length to finish with a stemmy expression of cherry fruit, and a dusting of spice.

Taste this blind, i guarantee you won't pick the region.