Place of Changing Winds is one of the most impressive new winemaking ventures to emerge for some time. Based at a stunning single site in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, Place of Changing Winds also produces some impressive Syrah from the Heathcote region along with Syrah and Marsanne from the Harcourt area.
The 2023 Place of Changing Winds Between Two Mountains Pinot Noir is their sole Pinot Noir produced in 2023, which they've proclaimed as "one of the most seductive Pinots we have produced".
There is a core of sweet fruit that belies the cool, late season and speaks more to the low yields, but there is also plenty of Asian spice on the nose and palate, crystalline red fruit, high-toned florals (violet and rose) and a driven finish with plenty of fine structure for aging. It is a gorgeous drink now if you give it plenty of air in a decanter, but it will certainly cellar well.
"95 Points. This is the only pinot noir from 2023 from POCW. About a third is whole bunch across all the clones and sites on the estate vineyard. The wine ends up in Stockinger barrels for 21 months. Serious approach. A very good wine. Very. Fine, tight, tense, succulent, dark cherry, sour cherry, fennel, blood orange, white pepper, game meat - a lot on, you could keep listing detail but the idea is this is complex, compelling, with everything woven beautifully together. Fruit feels bright and sweet yet just on the cusp, and so fresh, the persistence of all that superb - a touch overtly fruity for those who seek that. An elegance but with a kink of funk and interest. The x-factor we seek. And the personality of place. Stellar.”- Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
