Chatto's Huon Valley vineyard, a warm site facing north in a cool region, was first planted in 2007. A small part of the vineyard was first bottled separately in 2014 as the Isle Pinot Noir. While the whole vineyard is planted with nine Pinot Noir clones, only three go into the Isle Pinot Noir, with clone 777 dominant. Limestone, calcareous mudstone and a lot of fossils form the soil. The wine is made with a significant proportion of whole bunches.
Vintages vary a lot in Tasmania's marginal climate leading to great variability in wine quality. It is clear that the 2018 Chatto Isle Pinot Noir is very special.
The wine is complex and layered with dark cherry, cranberry and soft spices on the palate. Earthy and underbrush flavours add to the intense mouthfeel. Fine tannins drive these flavours across the palate to a harmonious finish. This is how Australian Pinot Noir should taste.
The volumes of the Isle Pinot Noir are small. I came across this wine for the first time now. I encourage you to seek it out.
Score: 96/+++
2 comments:
Glad you enjoyed!
I've not had the '18 but I've found his Intrigue (same vineyard as the Isle but slightly cheaper) a pretty serious proposition relative to many Australian pinots.
Isle can also have almost a slight peaty character in some vintages is my understanding. Not unpleasant as it's too faint to be overbearing but adds to the experience.
Very curious to see how his wines age to be honest. He also has a Beaune 1er Cru I've got a bottle of but yet to try. Still, Burgundy under screwcap!
High praise indeed Thomas 😳
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