Pre-Release: 2023 Singlefile Single Vineyard Mount Barker Pinot Noir
VINEYARD & WINEMAKING
The pinot noir grape variety is very well suited to the cool climate terroir of the Mount Barker sub-region of the Great Southern. This parcel of fruit is from the established Moore River Vineyard, which typically presents strong varietal characters and 2023 did not disappoint.
The 2023 season delivered a wet winter and spring was reasonably dry. Even temperature days and cold nights during the growing season helped the fruit to develop full flavours while retaining natural acidity which forms the backbone of this wine.
The fruit was harvested on 11th April 2023. It was picked, gently de-stemmed and then cold soaked for two full days. A parcel was barrel fermented and underwent natural fermentation in new French oak, the remainder went to small open fermenters and later to new and seasoned oak. The wine spent approximately seven months in French oak 225L barriques, 30% new. It was then prepared for bottling.
THE WINE
A medium body styled pinot noir with lifted aromas of red cherries and spices as well as subtle forest floor aromas which will develop further with time in bottle. These characters follow through on the palate. The wine has a medium palate weight and a gently textured mouth feel with soft and subtle tannins supported with the natural acidity. The Burgundian oak presents nicely in the background. The wine finishes with good length of flavour and a long finish. It is well suited to complement game or light red meat dishes, and it will reward cellaring.
CRITIC REVIEWS OF NOTE
2023 Vintage
New Release
2022 Vintage
94 points, Wine Showcase Magazine, July 2023
2021 Vintage
94 points, Wine Showcase Magazine, December 2021
2020 Vintage
4 stars, Best of the West, Winestate Magazine, May/June 2021
2019 Vintage
92 points, Jeni Port, Australian Wine Companion, Aug 2020
2018 Vintage
94 points, Australian Wine Showcase Magazine, Aug 2019
92 points, Steven Creber, Australian Wine Companion, Aug 2019
91 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Jun 2019
92 points, Toni Paterson, The Real Review, May 2019
4 Stars, Equal Top in Category, Winestate Magazine, Apr 2019
2017 Vintage
16.5 points, Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, Dec 2018
91 points, Ray Jordan, 2019 WA Wine Guide, Nov 2018
4.5 stars, Winestate Magazine, Sep/Oct 2018 Issue
91 points, QWine - Steve Leszczynski, Feb 2018
2015 Vintage
91 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, Dec 2016
2014 Vintage
94 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, Jul 2015
18 points, Barry Weinman, Fine Wine Club, Jul 2015
2013 Vintage
95 points, Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday, Jul 2014
94 points, Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, Apr 2014
18 points, Barry Weinman, Fine Wine Club, May 2014
2012 Vintage
Trophy "Best Pinot Noir", Australian Boutique Wine Awards, Oct 2013
Gold, Perth Royal Show, Sep 2013
92 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, Jul 2013
2011 Vintage
93 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, Jul 2012
