Dedicated to Allegiance Wine’s Tim Cox’s university friend Iain Pitman, taken way too young with cancer. Fruit from the home base of Tumbarumba, NSW.

Allegiance Wines, L’Artiste, Pinot Noir, Tumbarumba, 2021

15% whole bunch, 6 months French oak maturation (12% new). Pale, wan cerise. forward PN nose with dark cherry, easy blood orange citrus, fresh thyme, smoked charcuterie, peaty earth and chocolate nibs. Lightly framed and simply put together. Tannins are slightly tacky through the shortish finish. Could take a chill and work as a luncheon drop.

RRP: $25
Alc 12%
Rating: 17/20 (87/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Allegiance Wines