Marchand & Burch Mount Barrow Pinot Noir 2023 x 6
Product Description
hen creating the Australian Collection, Pascal and Jeff scoured the topography of Western Australia looking for the ideal site for producing excellent Pinot Noir that showcase their unique terroir. It soon became clear that the Great Southern was the only real option in terms of cool climate viticulture that could produce the desired results. Mount Barker was the coldest site they could find and its poor soil types meant low yields and high quality. The canopy management would not be a problem, but it was a high-risk region and the fruit would have to hang out to ripen until the very end of the season. However, it was decided that it was a risk worth taking as the quality was sure to be superior.
When establishing the Mount Barrow vineyard back in 2005, Jeff and Pascal had no idea what it would one day become. They identified the site as ideal for growing cool climate, terroir-driven Australian Pinot Noir, but it would be years until they could make wine from the site. Instead, they had to trust the process and wait patiently until the vines were ready to unveil their true potential. Now, nearly two decades on, Jeff and Pascal could not be more impressed by the West Australian Pinot Noir from this cherished vineyard.
Marchand & Burch Australian MOUNT BARROW PINOT NOIR
The Mount Barrow vineyard has the most extensive range of Pinot Noir clones in Western Australia, including three that have been imported directly from Burgundy. A gift from the old world to the new, these French clones provide the strong foundation to craft wines with nuance and complexity. The wide range of clones is a particular strength of Marchand and Burch Pinot Noirs. As Jeff writes, ‘Having this diversity of clones adds significant complexity to the wine.’ Burgundy clones 114 and 115 from specific blocks are generally used for Mount Barrow Pinot Noir while the Village Pinot Noir is made predominantly from clone 115.
The two Marchand & Burch Pinot Noirs differ in style in terms of concentration. The Village Pinot is sourced from younger plantings (15 & 8 years old) located lower down the hill on the Mount Barrow vineyard. The resulting wine is elegant and lean yet not overly concentrated or extracted. The idea for the Mount Barrow Pinot Noir was to craft a Pinot that has intensity and concentration but is also delicate, lingering, and balanced. This wine is constructed from older plantings of Pinot Noir located further up the hill and slightly to the east. These vines are southeast-facing and are protected from the coldest airflows.
Tasting Note
The pale, translucent ruby hue points to the wine’s lithe layers of floral and briary aromas, yet hidden underneath are deep, brooding notes of dark fruits, charcuterie, and savoury herbs. Morello cherry, macerated strawberries and raspberries are interwoven with sage, rosemary, and prosciutto. Soft, supple texture and rich fruit viscosity form an appealing midpalate as bright acidity ripples down the sides of the tongue and velvety tannins settle at the back leading straight into an elongated finish. Oak emerges to the forefront as the wine opens, lending aromas of Rooibos tea and tobacco. There is a duality to this wine that adds to its appeal, effortlessly swaying from bright red berry notes to deeper, tantalising tones.
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