2023 Cathedral Rock Pinot Noir $34

Andrea Kitto and Jamie Cowen began planting Pinot Noir at their 1.4ha Cathedral Rock Vineyard at Sandfly back in 2004. Subsequent additions in 2010, 2015 and 2017 now allow the couple to draw upon a neat mix of certified and uncertified material of significant vine age. That's a great starting point when your goal is to make tiny quantities of distinctive, small-batch Pinot Noir.

Growing seasons are invariably cool and protracted in these parts. Vintage 2023 followed the script. Rainfall, however, was much lower than average, so with harvest finally arriving on the last day of April, bunch sizes in the Pinot Noir were small but very intense in flavour. That's reflected in the finished wine, made under contract by industry veteran Alain Rousseau.

It looks great in the glass and is significantly richer in colour than many other Pinot Noirs from Tasmania made in 2023. The aromatics telegraph a similar message. They're quite lifted and redolent of red fruits, mostly in the ripe red cherry/black cherry spectrum. Oak nuances are very subtle and nicely integrated. All those vintage threads are woven into a very convincing and well-sustained palate. Indeed, this a lovely elegant Pinot Noir that should garner plenty of support from lovers of genuine cool-climate wines.

You're probably not going to see it embellished with lots of little gold stickers proclaiming its show successes. But more than likely, you will find your guests asking for another glass when it's poured at your dinner table. Grab a handful of bottles at the vineyard cellar door. You'll kick yourself later if you don't. The price is very friendly, given the quality on offer.

Source: Vineyard cellar door

Contact Andrea Kitto for opening days/times: +61 (0) 438 396 769 or andrea.kitto@bigpond.com