2023 Dappled Appellation Pinot Noir

WINEMAKER: Shaun Crinion
REGION: Yarra Valley, VIC
VARIETY: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Sustainable

A blend of two fantastic Upper Yarra Pinot sites in Gladysdale, Macclesfield and Steels Creek. All natural ferments with 25% whole bunch plus an average of 15-20 days on skins. Aged for 10 months in French oak Barrique’s and Puncheons (10% new). Bottled by gravity, un-fined and unfiltered.

"A bright ruby, red colour with aromas that are very delicate and smokey at first with raspberries, cherries spice and strewn herbs coming into play. The more air this gets the better it becomes, revealing its true pristine red berry aromas (that will come naturally with more time in the bottle). The palate follows suit, being delicate and pure fruited, red cherries, raspberry with a delicate spice. Very fine tannins, texture and freshness are all here. Reminiscent of my 2015 Appellation Pinot for those who remember it."

Despite their fame, Shaun’s releases still remain tiny due a lack of suitable fruit. Obviously, it goes without saying that he is fastidious about the fruit he sources, as evidenced by the quality of these wines year after year. The other thing that remains important to Shaun is that his wines remain accessible. Despite the increasing costs of fruit and production and regardless of the effort, and rarity, the wines are priced to offer some of the best value for money in Australian wine today.