Fruit from Howard Park’s Great Southern vineyards. It’s not a secret that WA Pinot Noir can be a challenge and arguably, there’s only a few that can produce great wines. Howard Park have extensive experience in Burgundy with their Marchand & Burch wines, and this is still a fledging label, so time will tell. 15% Whole bunches in the ferment before being pressed off to a mix of oak sizes and stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation and 7 months maturation was in 50% each stainless steel and old oak.

Howard Park, Flint Rock, Pinot Noir, Great Southern, 2023

Medium garnet in hue. Lifted and fleshy nose: strawberry husk and cherry sauce nose with a touch of cola syrup tending to chinotto, cured meats, fresh thyme, char and autumn evening air. Medium frame: Dark cherry and blueberry flesh with burnt citrus and an espy of rosewater. Less angular than the 2022, the extra flesh is welcomed to complement the fine tannins, yet it stops a little short. Definitely a label to watch as it matures.

RRP: $30
Alc: 13%
Rating: 91/100

Wine sample courtesy of Howard Park