2013 Helen's Hill Estate "Old Block Reserve - MV6 Clone" Pinot Noir

Staff Reviews

RW

Ryan Woodhouse

Ryan Woodhouse

Such a cool wine. I could spend half an hour with this wine without even taking a sip. The nose is constantly changing a taking on new dimensions. It's earthy, gamey - then spicy and floral, shape shifting with each swirl. On the palate the wine is quite savory. Dusty fruits, smoked meat, some blood or iron notes. With time and air more dark rose petal aromas emerge and the fruit takes on some more density and richness. The mineral laden finish is long and intriguing, dry and moreish. It's almost like you can sense the vine's intimate relationship with this place and they are more interested in speaking of earth than of fruit. I'd love to put this in a Burgundy tasting and see how many people it fools.

KW

Kirk Walker

Kirk Walker

A dark, broad, deep and brooding nose on this one. Earth, spice and forest floor with subdued dark cherry notes. But Clean! It is something that I didn't realize that I was missing until you find it! Structured on the palate, with tannins and acid that grab and lead you down a delightful trail of earthy, spicy Pinot goodness. The tannins are super fine and polished, friendly but persistent. The acid has just the right amount of bite to it all of which is supported by cool dark fruits. The longer it is opened the more expressive they become. One of my new favorites.

DO

David Othenin-Girard

David Othenin-Girard

Wow! I said out loud on first nosing. This incredible juicy open and refreshing Pinot is one of the most drinkable $25 Pinot I've come across in years. The nose is fragrant with hibiscus, bright red cherry, and clean as a whistle. On the palate medium acidity keeps it juicy as can be, reminding me of the most quaffable Burgundian at about half the price. Maybe it could Fixin or Aloxe-Corton, but at this price you'd never guess it. A fabulous wine for those who really want to easy drinking Pinot with out the headache.

Notes

Winemaker's Notes: "Our single clone Reserve Pinot Noir range will take the vineyard and wine selection process to the next level. The best way to describe it is "more" of everything. More work in the vineyard in terms of row, vine and right the way down to individual bunch selection. A little more new oak. More time in barrel. An even more rigorous tasting process. More time in bottle before release. About the only thing that we don’t do is more winemaking. Our reserve wines still have the "less is more" approach and ensure that we live up to our ethos of delivering Mother Nature to your mouth. Made entirely from the MV6 clone, our Old Block Reserve Pinot Noir truly reflects the unique characteristics of Australia’s very own Pinot Noir clone. MV stands for Mother Vine - the original vines were propagated from cuttings from the famed Clos Vougeot vineyard in France’s Burgundy region. The vines in the old block were planted in 1980, they are old and gnarly which means that they are by nature low yielding and consistently express both varietal and terroir characteristic’s with the minimum of fuss. In terms of flavour profile, the MV6 clone is famous for the deep cherry and dark strawberry characters with hints of spice. Firm tannins but more back palate orientated. The MV6 clone has a more savoury tone to its flavour profile. Dried fruits, herbs and spice. A more elegant and complex nose and palate."