Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the King of the Grapes of which I take no issue with. However, if there was ever a Prince of the Grapes then Pinot Noir would be it…easily. It can have an air of sophistication and a certain handsomeness about it, and it can be generous, yet elegance and grace are the pièces de resistance when it comes to this variety.
We have friends who struggle with “heavy reds” and quite often ask for a Pinot Noir thanks to it having plenty of flavour while remaining reasonably light on the palate. And let’s not forget its versatility with food! That’s what the we love about it, right?
Pinot Noir can be a fickle bugger of a grape to grow so it needs the right climate and location to do well. Orange in New South Wales is proving to be the region in New South Wales for the variety. Take my word for it. Thanks to Dave Cumming of Define Wine Marketing, I have been lucky enough to try a few from the area now and it was a pleasure to try these two absolute beauties from Colmar Estate.
Region: Orange Region, NSW Source: Samples thanks kindly to Colmar Estate and Define Wine
Block 1 (Price: $65)
Sophistication, complexity, elegance and class. That about sums up this Pinot Noir from Colmar Estate. Gee I liked this wine and there is so much to like. The aromas announce the variety in one extended inhale of the plentiful red fruits. It seems to move across the palate like a gentle wave across the sand bringing with it the youthfulness of fresh red and (a delicate touch of) dark fruits, a savouriness and flavourfulness (it’s a new word) that just doesn’t seem to want to let go. In a word, terrific. It is quite the Pinot Noir.
Block 3 (Price: $55)
Delightful and pretty are words that spring to mind when smelling and tasting this wine. Appealingly perfumed on the nose with lovely red cherries and a hint of oak too. The palate is gorgeous! It has that Pinot Noir refinement with a subtle intensity (yep that’s how it is). Elegance personified! The tannins are so silky and fine with some gentle acidity coming into the mix at the lovely long ending. I am not ashamed to admit I swooned over it for some time. Also, quite the Pinot Noir.