2010 Pinot Noir Block 6

Coming from 100% Pommard clone and using 50% whole bunches, the 2010 Block 6 Single Block Release Pinot Noir has a medium-deep ruby-purple color and aromas of Indian spices, cumin seed and cloves over warm cranberry and pomegranate plus some raspberries and dusty earth. Medium bodied with a good amount of mid-palate fruit, this is a structured style with medium-firm chewy tannins, high acid and a long clean finish. Consider drinking this one 2012 to 2018+. Established in 1998, there are now 100 acres of vines planted at Yabby Lake making it biggest single estate project in the Mornington Peninsula thus far. 60% of the plantings are Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Gris and 5% Shiraz. "We like to say expression over impression," commented winemaker Tom Carson during my visit. "Wines shouldn't smell like winemaking. The wines aren't acid adjusted or fined. They are wild fermented and left on lees until bottling. And we use a very small proportion of new oak." Single vineyard and single block releases are the new thrust here. "When we're putting the final blends together, if something stands out we'll bottle it separately. We only actually take a small portion out - most will go into the estate wine." The good value Red Claw label is all off estate vineyards. Carson is creating some very impressive wines straight across the range. Now if he could only be convinced to ditch the cross flow filter, at least for the top "single block" wines?! Importer: Yabby Lake Vineyard Inc., Lafayette, CA; Tel: (925) 962-9229