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 2021 Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir is one of several outstanding examples of Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir currently made at Ashton Hills. This is a quintessential Piccadilly Pinot with lifted with aromas of lifted fresh raspberries, cherries and strawberries with a lovely hint of Indian spice and rosewater. Juice and red fruited, with a lick of spice and fresh herbs from the whole bunch component. The mouth-watering natural acidity and fine tannins compliment the plush fruits and result in a textural and long lasting finish.
"94 Points. Fermented with 30% whole bunches, matured in French oak for 9 months. In the dark and brooding class of pinot, with undergrowth, autumnal leaves, dark berries, woodsy spices and sage. The amount of whole bunches has been decreased from 2020, a good sign, bringing an element of added complexity rather than sharpness. A strong, firm, exciting young pinot. $40. 13.5% alc. Drink by: 2028. Screw cap"- Jeni Port, winecompanion.com.au.
"With a pedigree dating back over four decades, Ashton Hills has a well deserved reputation for its cool-climate Adelaide Hills pinots noir -and a change of regime has not diminished quality. The fruit for this appealing young wine was taken from six different blocks in the cool Piccadilly Valley and is just lovely. Think juicy, red-fruited goodness with some softness and style on the finish. I’d pair this with Chinese roast duck - a classic combo for excellent dining."- Winsor Dobbin, Winsor's Choice.
"93 Points. This is in lovely form. It tastes spicy and it feels well structured but the fruit is ripe and juicy. Cranberry into boysenberry and red cherry, florals and woodsy spice. It’s fairly light on its feet but it has enough insistence to make its quality clear. Oak, gently smoked, is so very well played here, so neatly tucked. It’s well played all around.Tasted: March 22 13.5% alc. $40 Screwcap Drink: 2022 - 2028+"- Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.
