2010 Gippsland Pinot Noir

The fruit for this talented young winemaker comes from two growers on red volcanic soil with 6,500 vines/ha and vines that are 21 and 12 years old. Bright red. Scented and very interesting nose and structure. No sweetness at all, but great vibrancy. This is not at all like any Australian Pinot I have ever come across and nor does it taste like red burgundy either. There was a point where everyone wanted to make a Rousseau wine out of their Pinot Noir whereas Downie wanted to make true expression of that particular bit of Gippsland. Dry finish and a hint of volcano, really fascinating! (JR)