Wow! This a find…
A small four-barrel parcel was bottled under the Daisy Rock label. From the rocky schist strewn Bendigo Hills this is a complete Pinot Noir delivering all the flavour and depth of top-quality Central Otago Pinot Noir. Unusually, we took a bit of a punt on this and purchased this on a recommendation before tasting (otherwise we would have missed out) and boy, are we glad we did. Yes, we are impressed!
Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Following the 2021 and 2022 vintages both sourced form Alexandra, 2024 saw us head north to Bendigo. Stylistically different, bigger, richer and bolder. Premium, perhaps super premium parcels of fruit hand-picked from a single vineyard site, West facing slope in Bendigo. This vineyard consists mainly of schist-based soils.
Wild ferment, with 30% whole bunch practice bringing aromatic expression and florals to the fore, aged in a selection of French oak barriques, 30% new for 10 months.
Beautiful deep colour in the glass, lifted aromas of Black Doris plum, cheery, blueberries, oak spice and hazelnut. The palate is wonderfully weighted, full bodied with excellent depth and plush texture. Supported bylayers of polished, silky tannins that are balanced leading to a long, velvety finish only enhanced by time in barrel."
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"Superbly fruited and immediately appealing, the fragrant bouquet shows Black Doris plum, blueberry, rich floral, warm spice, and hazelnut aromas. The wonderfully weighted palate exhibits excellent depth and plush texture, wonderfully framed by layers of polished tannins, making it sturdy yet velvety with a prolonged, satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2032."