Maude ‘East Meets West’ Pinot Noir 2018

From the family vineyard at Mt Maude, a shining, ruby colour in the glass, going magenta at the rim. That pop of brightness follows through on the nose that is lively with red cherry, orange rind, raspberry, watermelon, root beer, damson, Turkish delight and a floral buddleia note – not your average Central Pinot. Dry, refreshing and bold. There’s a vibrant spiciness as you move into the palate, with cinnamon, star anise and cloves layered over the sweet, red berry flavours. Tannins are supple, ripe and the spice persists between the tannin and oak influences, toasty and warming against that intensely concentrated core. A keen acidity is another key element – giving drive and length through the palate through to a drying, complex finish. 93pts.