So the annual international tour of Pinot Palooza has just kicked off in (R)Adelaide. This one being poured by indefatigable Tash Stoodley, irrepressible brand manager of d’Arenberg and all round top chick. The Feral Fox forms part of the “High Altitude Hillbilly” range with the fruit sourced from up in the Adelaide Hills.

d’Arenberg The Feral Fox Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills 2014

Would Chester make a shrinking violet? All that Shiraz running through his veins….why not blast out a Pinot too? Solid nose. Upfront. Leaves no doubt this is PINOT NOIR! Phwoar! Small % of whole bunch which comes through as a resiny note, weaved in among baked black cherries with some raspberry fruit and an whisper of medicinal fennel/thyme which echoes to navel orange citrus. Full bodied, cedary twiggy woody spice and sour cherry/raspberry jube blocks before tongue gripping tannin that resolves to tart, herb tonic tones. Not on the delicate end of the Pinot spectrum, but certainly one for conversion of a Shiraz lover.

RRP: $30

Alc: 14.4%

Wine sample courtesy of d’Arenberg