Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Fantastic on the palate with an abundance of finer grained tannins woven between flavours of fruit and barrel, lees, and mineral.
Thomas Brothers Pinot Noir grows on our highest slopes, in limestone soils which impart a beautiful chalky tannin and finesse to the wine. The vines are naturally devigourated in the exposed conditions. They are buffeted by the Nor'west winds and protected from frost at that altitude. The hill slope block brings diversity of flavour profiles with the lower area fruit driven, while higher up is dense and rich. 2021 started with a harsh frost before a long dry summer settled in which meant clean fruit and beautiful acidity. However, we were left with a nearly 70% reduction in yield. The dry autumn meant fruit ripened evenly and the concentration of flavour was very noticeable. Fruit was harvested in the cool of the early morning to retain freshness and acidity.
Our highest Pinot Noir block was handpicked before being hand sorted. A small percentage (12%) of whole bunch was retained for tannin structure, layers and complexity of flavours. The wine stayed on skins for 28 days allowing for full yet supple tannins, before a gentle pressing to French oak barrels where the wine aged for 16 months. One of our finest single block expressions ever, showing the effects of fruit intensity and gentle handling. Estate bottled, without fining or filtration."
5 Stars & 98/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"This is captivating and enticing on the nose with dark cherry, roasted nut, charcuterie and fragrant spice aromas, leading to a concentrated palate that's succulent and seamless. Splendidly framed by finely infused tannins, finishing wonderfully long and expansive. It's sumptuous with exquisite detail and poise, as well as alluring complexity, making it hugely appealing. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2033."
Rated Outstanding & 97/100 Cameron Douglas MS, August 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"A complex bouquet of soil and spice, red berries and dark plum with layers of savoury spice, a light almost steely haunt reflect place and time as well as concentration from ripe fruits and use of lees and barrel. Fantastic on the palate with an abundance of finer grained tannins woven between flavours of fruit and barrel, lees and mineral. Textures from acidity and tannins then concentration from fruit and dried herb savoury complexities. best drink from 2026 through 2036+."
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"Certified organic, the 2021 vintage was grown in the steep, hillside Brothers Block, hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (42 per cent new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep ruby, it has a very fragrant, complex bouquet. Mouthfilling, it is very savoury, with deep, ripe cherry and spice flavours, complex and already very approachable. Best drinking 2025+."