I’ve recently had the pleasure of trying a really fantastic, moderately priced ($17-19) Australian Pinot Noir out of the Yarra Valley. I’m not always the biggest fan of Pinot due to a few unfortunate glasses I’ve tried, but this one shocked me the other direction. It was absolutely delicious. You would do yourself a good deed by trying the De Bertoli Pinot Noir Yarra Vally Gulf Station.
Funny enough, I had made a note to myself to pick up a bottle or two for the house when a friend of mine mentioned the same wine a couple of days later. I take that as a good omen and a great recommendation.
According to Wine-O-Rama it has Aromas of raspberry/cherry, spice and underbrush with a bit of smoky reduction serving to add complexity. On the palate a light vivacious red fruited wine with red cherry, raspberry, spice and mulchy savoury flavours. Fine dry tannins. Savoury sappy red fruited finish of good length. If you are looking for a modestly priced pinot then look no further – this one has a tick in every box.
From Wine Estate In 1987 the De Bortoli Family purchased the ‘Summer Paddock’ of the original Yarra Valley Gulf Station property owned by the Bell Family over 150 years ago. Their first release was in 1995 and since then the Gulf Station Range has grown to represent one of the best value cool-climate range of wines in the country.
The 2005 Gulf Station Pinot Noir is predominantly estate grown with complementary parcels from Woori Yallock and Pauls Creek included in the final blend. All fruit was hand picked and destemmed to open fermenters and allowed to undergo natural fermentation over 15 days. This was followed by gentle pressing, 2 days settling and gravity racking to new and used barrels for 10 months.
Over all, It was delicious, easily drinkable, yet not overly simple. This would be a respectable wine to bring to any dinner party.
A few useful Aussie websites:
Wine Skinny
Wine Estate
Wine-O-Rama
