95 Points - Ken Gargett | RRP $32
Holm Oak consistently produces sublime examples of Pinot Noir from their estate in Tasmania's Tamar Valley. The 'bright young thing' of Holm Oak's impressive Pinot lineup, The Protégé is designed to be their more approachable, fruit-forward offering.
Crafted using estate-grown fruit from Holm Oak's own vineyards, the 2025 Holm Oak The Protégé Pinot Noir is another lively and aromatic Tasmanian Pinot bursting with cherry, cranberry and strawberry notes on the nose. These fruit characters carry through the silky palate, which is soft, juicy and ready-to-enjoy. A delicious drinking Pinot Noir with wide appeal, this offers superb value drinking at this price.
"95 Points. It is by design that the team ensure that this wine is more fruit forward and slightly lighter than what one may term their serious Pinot Noir, which hopefully doesn’t in any way demean this particular version. After destemming and fermentation with the wine on skins for ten days, there was a further period of maturation in tank. Pale crimson in colour, this is a most evocative style of Pinot Noir, beautifully fragrant. We have notes of florals, cherries, spices and raspberries. An exquisitely pretty version of this great grape, this is seamless and immaculately balanced with excellent length. Stunning value, this is a cracking Pinot Noir and certainly the best Protégé I can recall. Enjoy it over the next six to eight years. The team may have aimed for something a little lighter, but they have come up with a wonderfully elegant and refreshing wine. Love it. $32. Drink: 2026 - 2034"- Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot.
"Quintessential Tassie pinot from the gorgeous pale ruby hue to the sour cherry, strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant on the nicely tart nose. There’s some savoury notes of forest floor and dried thyme too, segueing into redcurrant and citrus on the fresh palate with fine tannins and a touch of salinity - enjoy with duck breast or venison. $32. 13.5% alc."- John Lehmann, The Australian.
