Each Explore 4 case tackles a new theme: This one is a selection of Pinot Noirs that won’t break the bank.
Everyone loves Pinot Noir: It’s aromatic, supple, brightly fruited, and versatile. But, most of the time, it is also expensive. Here are some Pinot Noir bargains that are firm favourites with us because of their diversity and drinkability.
Pinot noir is widely planted and appears in nearly all winegrowing regions of the world, and given the grape varieties’ preference for cooler climates and poorer soils, we leaned toward lesser-known regions in both Hemispheres with those characteristics.
Here’s what’s in the case:
2020 Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir, Larry Cherubino, Great Southern, Western Australia
This gorgeous Pinot Noir from Larry Cherubino is made with fruit from the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The nose shows graphite and minerals, juicy black cherries with a hint of spicy oak plays a supporting role. The palate is softly textured, fresh and vibrant, the flavours of black cherry and earthy beetroot carried along by a fine acid finish.
2017 Pinot Noir ‘Eggo Filoso’, Zorzal, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Argentina
Zorzal is an Argentinian boutique winery that is located at the highest point of the Uco Valley. Hailed as one of the most exclusive and well-regarded areas for viticulture in Argentina, the terroir is revealed in the Zorzal wines through a respectful, non-invasive winemaking process that puts austerity before exuberance and fruit before wood.
2018 South Coast Pinot Noir, Lismore, Greyton, Western Cape, South Africa
Californian Samantha O’Keefe has found paradise and the perfect terroir. Tucked into the foothills of a dramatic mountain range at the bottom of Africa, Lismore Estate Vineyards was born alongside her nascent family. A passionate vision, combined with vines planted at 300 metres, which are chilled by winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produces classic, cool climate wines which are rich, complex and lovingly hand-crafted. This 2018 is an elegant Pinot Noir delivering a complex bouquet of crushed rose petals, wild jasmine and fresh French herbs. The palate shows beautiful purity with layered red fruits, cranberry, raspberry, silky tannins and a long, savoury finish.
2018 Givry 1er Cru Rouge L’Empreinte, Domaine Joblot, Burgundy, France
One of the greatest producers in Southern Burgundy, the Joblot family has been producing fine wines for over four generations. These sought after wines have limited availability. L’Empreinte means ‘Footprint’ in French and this cuvée is the result of the best parcels of Domaine Joblot’s four Givry 1er Cru vineyards: Clos Maroles, Clos Du Cellier Aux Moines , Bois Chevaux and clos de la Servoisine.
