96 Points - Mike Bennie
Ashton Hill winemaker Stephen George in one of Australia's most skilful and versatile winemakers. Making powerful reds at Wendouree, he also produces some beautifully elegant Pinot Noir's at Ashton Hills.
This 2023 Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir is one of several outstanding examples of Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir currently made at Ashton Hills. This aromatic Adelaide Hills Pinot offers lifted red cherry, plum and fig are matched with florals and baking spices as well as hints of savoury, earthy notes. The palate features red cherry and cranberry notes which are framed with lovely natural acidity and long fine tannins. A beautifully textured wine with plush, persistent length.
“96 Points. A lower-yield year with prolonged ripening and coolness alongside. It’s a svelte and meticulous pinot noir, tightly coiled around a strongly minerally profile with brisk acidity dragging the wine long and to a distinct, persistent finish. There’s tart red cherry, some smoky spice elements, a touch of forest floor and brambly blackberries in the mix, clove as a gentle indicator of oak seasoning and an array of exotic souk-like aromatics and flavours lending complexity. The wine is quite understated in its profile but delivers a strong sense of structure and tension, length and control. It’s a very fine pinot noir leaning beautifully into its more savoury flex. Utter charm is the result.”- Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion.
