Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir

There are not many Pinot Noirs coming out of Western Australia. It has been suggested all remaining Pinot Noir grapes in Margaret River should be ripped out, as it is too hot. The Great Southern region has a different story, however. Here it is cooler, and it rains more, and there is some elevation.

The Mount Barrow vineyard is the highest vineyard in elevation at 380 meters altitude, and it is south facing - a very different proposition from Margaret River.

The 2009 Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir is medium-bodied. Raspberry and forest berry flavours dance on the palate. However, savoury notes of forest floor dominate this smooth and soft wine. This wine has a lovely texture, a good line, and silky tannins, sliding along the tongue beautifully.

Score: 95/+++ 

Forest Hill Block 8 Chardonnay

Forest Hill is a highly regarded producer from Mount Barker. His wines are not often available in the Eastern States. I was fortunate to be able to taste a 2005 Block 8 Chardonnay.

The palate tastes predominantly of stone fruit. However, for 30 year old grapes, I would have expected more depth and complexity. The wine is well made and its acidity suggests good cellaring potential, but there simply is no compelling reason to have it in your collection.