Already with a cult following this wine has almost become a fashion statement and given international fame by Reece Witherspoon instagraming to followers that it was her "favourite wine". Produced from Pinot Noir, very lightly pressed with minimal skin contact resulting in a very pale colour – known as a 'blanc de noirs'. Sitting between a rose and white wine, this dry wine should be chilled lightly and served as an aperitif.
Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"This unique Blanc de Noir was made from 100% Pinot noir grapes, grown on our family owned vineyard. Ripe hand picked fruit and gentle winemaking have given a wonderfully balanced wine. The elegant champagne colour resulted from minimal skin contact prior to a gentle whole bunch press. The juice was fermented in stainless steel to retain the varietal and fruit characteristics. The wine shows delightful aromas of pear, stonefruit and pineapple with white peach, apricot and a touch of pink grapefruit on the palate. Best served slightly chilled."
5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, July 2023 (2023 Vintage)
"It's delicately aromatic on the nose with white flesh stone fruit, lemon peel, white floral and a hint of sweet strawberry. The palate delivers excellent focus and fine flow, beautifully supported by juicy fruit flavours and bright acidity, finishing fabulously long and refreshing. At its best: now to 2026."
5 Stars & 18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, August 2023 (2023 Vintage)
"Bright, even, very pale peach pink. The nose is full and appealing, with lush aromas of strawberry, cherry and rose petals. Light-bodied, aromas of strawberry and cherry show depth of flavour, lingering with rose petals fragrance. The acidity is refreshing, an excellent companion to the fruit and intense floral. This Blondie is lush and ready for summer. Serve as an aperitif or match with prosciutto-wrapped melon over the next 2-3 years. 100% Pinot Noir, fermented to 13.5% alc, 5.5 g/l RS. Vegan friendly."
Michael Cooper (2023 Vintage)
"This 'blanc de noir' – a white (or rather faintly pink) wine – is estate-grown at Cromwell. It is made from hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes; the juice is held briefly in contact with the skins and then fermented in tanks. Fresh and lively, the 2023 vintage offers enjoyable summertime drinking. Very pale pink, it is vibrantly fruity, with good body, delicate strawberryish, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, and a smooth, slightly off-dry (5.5 grams/litre of residual sugar) finish."