One of two Pinot Noirs from Passing Clouds. This one grown at 742 metres above sea level in the Macedon Ranges. Cool, cool climate stuff.

Passing Clouds, The Fools On The Hill, Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges, 2016

Highly exotically perfumed: Smoky, woody, stemmy, menthol, pencils, dirt, minerals, cherry and even a touch reductive (even after being open for a day). Lightly framed with chewy, yet fine tannins. There’s a meaty funk alongside minty cherries and earthy spice before raspberry fruit trails off in the distance. I’m a little conflicted with this: there’s a definite style being sought, and I believe it achieves it but I’m personally distracted by the mint aspects.

RRP: $47
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 16/20

Wine sample courtesy of Passing Clouds and White Ink