2008 PHI Lusatia Park Vineyard Pinot Noir
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Pinot Noir is the holy grail for wine lovers and we are often hypercritical of anything that doesn’t seduce mind and palate – it takes a special wine to get pinotphiles raving.
The Shelmerdine and De Bortoli joint project that is PHI,(‘symbolising perfect balance, harmony and divine proportions’), has produced some delightful wines and this wine is no exception. As the wine was poured, the dark, yet transluscent garnet colour glowed in the glass as aromas of raspberries, crunchy red cherries, a touch of savoury parsnip and celeriac with hints of spiced wild mushrooms piqued my interest.
On the palate, extreme pinosity was confirmed. Tangy red berry fruit, licorice root, dark red rose petals combined and balanced well with the crisp acid and firm yet velvety tannins.
A complex and elegant wine, with the muscle and structure that indicates plenty of potential to develop well in the bottle for at least 5-8 years. Or just drink it now with something gamey and rich – anything duck, pigeon or even venison could be handled by this wine.
Online Price: around $50
© Kate McIntyre September 2010
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, October 2010
Photography by Mark Chew
