2022 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Pinot Noir

A rich, fleshy medium bodied Pinot that’s generously layered with dark to black fruit.

Established in 1988 this tiny vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir (5.5 hectares) and Chardonnay (1 hectare) and is located several kilometres inland from the coast near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge national Park north-west of Bicheno. The vineyards unique situation near the entry to the gorge brings breezes in the afternoon which have a distinct cooling effect which means this vineyard is typically one of the last to harvest in Tasmania with harvest usually being around the first week of May.
Since 1999 winemaking has been undertaken by owner Brian Franklin who also does vintage each year in Burgundy with Philippe Charlopin (himself mentored by his friend Henri Jayer) in Gevrey Chambertin, and is helped here in Tasmania by young French winemakers including Philippe Charlopin’s son Yann.
Aged in a combination of new and two year old French oak barrels. Red to dark red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Bounding out of the glass is a fragrant bouquet of dark to black cherry, strawberry and anise trailed by some smoky cedar, earth and spicy dried herb notes. Amply fleshed and expansive, the mid weighted palate is generously endowed with rich dark to black cherry, ripe strawberry and anise flavours. Silken in it’s feel, toasty cedar, earth, dried herb and spice elements are detailed across the back half. Powerful and concentrated it has polished yet structured tannins and a long, enveloping finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%