2022 Trial Bay Estate Pinot Noir $55

11/06/2025

Vines on Nick Hayes and Saskia Jahn's property at Kettering were initially planted in 1997 by one of the State's first formally trained winemakers, Bruce Gilham. Vine age means a lot when you're talking Pinot Noir. Each year adds subtle layers of depth and complexity as vineyard terroir begins to shine through.

This release comes from the very high quality 2022 vintage and was brought to life by industry quiet achiever, Kate Hill, based at Huonville. The wine's engaging red crimson colour prompts immediate attention, while there's plenty of varietal aroma to entice the palate. Ripe red cherry, a hint of poached rhubarb with somewhat earthier tones redolent of forest undergrowth or maybe Tasmanian sassafras - all are present, and each one ebbs and flows as the wine opens in the glass. The palate is mid-weight and very nicely sustained as fruit flavours are joined by well-integrated French oak and some very subtle secondary/bottle-aged elements. Slightly elevated acidity provides a bit of verve without being intrusive. If you like your Pinot Noir complex and even slightly funky, there's a bit of cellar time remaining. But I like this three-year-old just the way it is.

Source: Cellar door during Spring in the Vines, Wine South, October 2025