Grosset believes it is the age of the vines (in this case the oldest planting of this variety in the region) that is central to this wine’s character, and that a combination of vine age and a low vigour site can be more important than vine clones, a subject that Grosset says receives ‘extraordinary attention’. Combined with a completely consistent winemaking approach since its creation, this truly hand-crafted (and foot-plunged) pinot is complex, textural and tightly structured; an intricate, silky wine with mulberry and dark-cherry fruit, and exceptional tannin structure.
While the 2012 Grosset Pinot Noir sits comfortably in the line-up of Grosset Pinots and echoes in some ways previous vintages, it is set apart by its restraint, power and age-worthiness. It is brutally youthful, tight and unevolved and will drink better in six months than now. Of the Grosset pinots, it is the wine that is most deserving of time in a dark, cool cellar. That said, there are attractive brooding briary fragrances with a touch of dried herb to entice. It is even more savoury than usual yet with mulberry, black-cherry and candied redcurrant flavours, a tight structure and a tensile core, with bright, fine-knit tannins that give definition and the promise of long life. The 2012 Pinot is a fine wine of great finesse and balance, well-integrated with its silky texture promising future seduction.
Adelaide Hills – Only 250 dozen produced
Date of Release: 1 March 2014
Sold Out: As at 15 September 2014
Huon Hooke ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ 22 April
This is one of the finest Aussie pinot’s I’ve tasted for a long time. A complete pinot… Now to 2024. 96 Points
James Halliday ‘Australian Wine Companion’ 2015
Juicy and highly drinkable but yet an intellectual style. Ribbons of flavour fly all manner of nuance… Memorable. Drink to 2024. 96 Points
