An adequate substitute for Burgundy.
5 March 2016
Having finished a remarkable Chablis while cooking beef ragu, it was time for the main course.
This wine was trashed by Australian critics on release.
Two years later it was awarded Australian Pinot of the Year by Decanter.
We purchased this wine from the Curly Flat Cellar door and tasted it as part of a mini vertical which included the 2010, 2011, 2012 and current release 2013.
The 2011 vintage was difficult in comparison to the 2010, 12 and 13 and it certainly lacked the fruit forward flavours of the other vintages.
Regardless, its complexity and pedigree were clear. The stand out of the vertical with the exception of the 2012 which has all the hall marks of a cellar worthy classic Pinot.
You have to wonder what the judges saw when this was released.
2011 Curly Flat Pinot Noir
From a difficult vintage this wine is quite remarkable.
On the nose it shows dried strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Mushrooms, dried herbs and cooked meats.
The palate is well balanced with gripping tannins. Remarkable weight and mouth feel. Complex and thought provoking. Well balanced though likely not for the long term cellaring.
Drink now to 2020.