Summary: The wine regions of the great state of Victoria are some of Australia’s most picturesque and historical. Today we can expect to see exciting wines and evocative wine styles as common fare. Hare & Tortoise represents the steady pursuit of fine, individual, regional wines of great drinkability & interest through patience, knowledge and a hands-off approach to winemaking.   

Vineyard: Sourced from a combination of upper and lower Yarra Vineyards, but primarily from vineyards within the Coldstream sub-region.

Winemaking: Pinot Noir fruit was hand picked, de-stemmed and fully fermented in open top fermenters with a small addition of whole bunches for complexity. Then cold soaked for three days prior to a cool ferment and pressed at dryness. It was then left on its lees for five months before bottling with minimal sulphur additions.

2021 Vintage: In terms of the 2021 vintage, spring 2020 was warm and wet, with enough bursts of sunshine to ensure the best flowering and fruit set in 3 years. Consistent fruit set matched with plentiful ground water led to vigorous canopy development and large crops. The possibility of disease hung heavy especially after large amounts of rainfall in January and the quality of the vintage was in the balance. However, an auspicious change in conditions led to a two-month run of glorious weather that saw warm
days, cold nights and elongated ripening. In terms of quality, tannin concentration and ripeness will be the
hallmark of 2021. Wines retained good natural acidity and great ripeness of flavour was achieved.

Tasting Note: Dark hues with a cherry rim. Classically varietal nose exemplified with plum, spice, strawberry and autumn leaves. The palate is light to medium bodied with complex and long-lived flavour. Lifted red fruits with the subtle complexing of earth and forest floor. A beautiful Pinot Noir that is drinking superbly now but will also reward short term cellaring. Pair with duck pancakes.