The handpicked Pinot Noir fruit was cold soaked for 3 days before ‘micro fermenting’ with indigenous yeasts in 900L French rotating Barriques (some whole bunches). The barriques where rotated 9 times per day followed by a 5 day post-ferment maceration. Maturation is then in 900L French barriques for 16 months. Also comes in an unfiltered version.

Cook’s Lot, Iconique Barrique, R16R17, Pinot Noir, Central Ranges, 2019

Sappy, toasty, raspberry and black cherry, cedar oak with undergrowth, licorice, latte, mown grass, char and almond kernel. Hints of development with umami shade to deep cherry and raspberry fruit. Still sparks with regional acidity, while the tannins are tightly knit. A calm tail with a slight reduction in intensity thanks to medium term age. Still with elegance and charm. Drink up.

RRP: $60
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 93/100

Wine sample courtesy of Cook’s Lot and Define Wine