 2008 One of the most exciting things about “real” wine – that is single estate wines, lovingly produced by artisan winegrowers – is that no two vintages will ever be the same. ’08 was very much a harvest of 2 halves. The early picked batches were dry and tannic, high in extract and will likely take some years to reach harmony. There then followed an unusual bout of autumn rain which delayed ripening in the later clones and blocks. When the sun returned, the waiting became agonising and fortune favoured the patient. Many of these late picked wines are nonetheless lighter, softer and while they may not resemble a husky Nigella resplendent in a luxurious dressing gown, they are bursting with drink-now appeal. The River’s Edge is a pretty wine, young and edgy as it struts its stuff in a gym slip just a little too short. From the bight ruby hue, this is one of those Pinot’s you truly could read your fob watch through, the legs climb shamelessly up the glass before shimmering back down. The nose is remarkably intense showing marzipan, boiled raspberry drop, water cracker and vanilla bean. When warmed beside the winter’s fire, it revealed dried herbs – rosemary and bay leaf as well as strained hints of primrose and the intriguing complexity of duck liver pate. Red cherry flavours lead the way on the palate and combine with an inviting biscuit and almond morishness. The fine structure and split-totara texture make the wine slim and attractive while the easy acidity and slight alcoholic lift add a swervy, curvy appeal. Dried hay/straw in combination with plum-skin characters betray the increasing savoury complexity which will develop over the next couple of years.
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Our Pinot Noir is best served slightly above cellar temperature i.e. 16 – 18 degree’s Celsius. Younger or older wines may benefit from decanting to allow them a breath of fresh air. |
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