“What I am looking for is a blessing not in disguise,” wrote Jerome K. Jerome, the English writer and humourist. It’s a line that made me smile when I read it. Partly for its honesty and partly for its subtle impatience with anything that hides its true nature. The 2021 Slow Wine Co Blanc de Noir is a blessing in plain sight. Nothing about it is shy, concealed or held back. Four years on lees have given it depth and complexity, yet the wine still greets you with an unashamed honesty. There’s something refreshing about a wine that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. No disguise, no theatrics, nothing getting between you and the wine. Just a beautifully made Blanc de Noir that offers its best self straight away and trusts you will appreciate it…which I most certainly did.
Region: Orange Region, NSW Price: $60 Source: Wine Swap (Thanks Jen)
On the nose it opens with raspberries, red cherries, gentle spice and citrus, and brioche. The palate is vinous and intriguingly complex. Its red‑fruited delicacy is brightened by lemon and subtle sherbet notes. There’s some lovely texture and a creaminess that gives it depth without weight then the fine mousse adds a calm, composed palate feel. It’s long and gently savoury with a freshness that gives it a nice lift on the finish. A characterful Blanc de Noir. Distinctive, textural, and a fine example of cool‑climate sparkling Pinot Noir.
Words from a Wine Glass 