Fruit from Howard Park’s Great Southern vineyards. Winemaking stays the same: 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. Note: Bottle image is of 2023, but naught has changed save for the date.

Howard Park, Flint Rock, Pinot Noir, Great Southern, 2024

Medium pigeon’s eye in hue. Plenty going on: Chinotto, thyme, cassia bark, dark cherry (and juice), fallen leaf and earthy forest floor, orange bitters, ferrous blood, rose petals, pink peppercorns and shaved dark chocolate. On the palate it’s a little reductive, angular and sharp at first crack, but with air it fleshes out. Tart cherry and raspberry fruit, underscored with earthy root veg. It’s just medium framed, fine tannins and with plenty of zingy and crunchy acidity that plays neatly through a balanced tail. Neat stuff.

RRP: $33
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Howard Park