August 2021 Releases: Murdoch Hill The Phaeton Pinot Noir 2019 $48 & La Prova Pinot Nero 2019 $30

Murdoch Hill The Phaeton Pinot Noir 2019 $48

The Phaeton is a blend of fruit from two vineyards in the Piccadilly Valley. The first site lies at 520 meters altitude outside the town, below Mount Lofty. The easterly aspect provides winemaker Michael Downer with a delicate, fine wine with pretty aromatics and pure, red fruit notes. The second vineyard, also with an easterly aspect but in Ashton, sits on a steep slope at 560 meters on rather shallow sandstone and hard soils. Natural yields are extremely low, providing fruit with structure and persistence. The altitude and aspect of both sites provide Pinot-friendly elongated ripening conditions.  Downer handled each parcel separately, both with a portion of whole berries and whole bunches (35%). Raised in mostly French oak puncheons and barrique (approximately 20% new) for nine months, then bottled without fining or filtration.  2019 has given us a deeply coloured Phaeton with real clout and flavour, with low yields contributing to concentration. Redcurrants, cherries and a gentle floral/herbal lift from the judiciously handled whole bunches follow onto the palate, which is framed by persistent silky tannins and crisp acidity, giving the wine freshness and energy.\\\"A pinot with finesse and power in equal parts and one that delivers alluringly layered, complex style on release. The nose has almost tarry notes, as well as toasted spices and intense red to dark cherries, blackcurrants and violets. The palate is just so crunchy and vibrant, delivering sleekly refined tannin and almost paper-fine texture. Long, fresh and intense. Best from 2024.\\\" 97 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com

La Prova Pinot Nero 2019 $30

La Prova is a grand experiment that brings together traditional Italian varieties and ancient Australian soils. The pairing creates wines that are ready for the future from grapes that use less water and withstand warming conditions. Each of La Prova’s grape varieties (we’ve trialled sixteen so far) are grown in the place that suits them best – sustainably produced in the Adelaide Hills and beyond. Winemaker Sam Scott founded La Prova in 2008; the culmination of two decades spent working both internationally and in South Australia. He developed a natural affinity with Italian grape varieties early and came to see Australia as the ideal place for growing them, especially as temperatures rise. La Prova refines the traditional textural and savoury characteristics of Italian varieties to create approachable, sophisticated wines of depth that keep curious drinkers interested. The wines are delicious with or without food and all made in the Adelaide Hills, where you can visit the cellar door on the first weekend of each month.  The winemaking focusses on careful cultivation in the vineyard and fastidious selection of the right day to pick. The day you pick is the day you make your wine! Fruit is sourced from vineyards best suited to each variety; largely from the varied topography of the Adelaide Hills Tasting Notes Golding Vineyard, Lenswood. Lenswood is ideal for growing Pinot Noir with its elevation and sandy soils, which give fine, fragrant characters. Winemaking Notes 777 clone. Wild fermentation, 100% whole berries. Unfined and unfiltered. Vegan friendly. Lifted herbs, black cherries, earthy and savoury.