2004 Yarra Valley Geelong Pinot Noir
Our growers in Diamond Valley, Woori Yallock and Geelong produced very good fruit for us again. A high level of ripeness was achieved this vintage, resulting in a big, complex Pinot. It looks a bit like our 2000, which was also a ripe, full‑bodied wine. Again, the Geelong component gives the wine structure, whereas the Yarra Valley parcels provide the lovely, cherry fruit that is the Yarra’s hallmark.
Dark red hue. Dark, brooding nose, with black cherry notes. Full‑bodied Pinot, with nice dark fruit, but with a savoury finish. Nice alcohol lift. A hint of celeriac on the nose. Will develop further complexity and be at its best in 4 or 5 years’ time. As always, brilliant with duck, especially the way the Chinese do it. We also love to drink it with Asian food (red duck curry is perfect).
| The Wine | Pinot Noir |
|---|---|
| Harvest Date | 16 to 30 April 2004 |
| Bottling Date | 18 December 2006 |
| Oak | 18 months in French oak – 1/3 new, 2/3 in 4-5 year old |
| Altitude | Three vineyards ranging from 80-120 m |
| Soil | Sandy loams |
| Average rainfall | From 540 to 910 mm |
| Sunshine hours per day | 7.4 - 7.8 |
| Heat Degrees Days | 1470 - 1490 |