2021 Derwent Estate Calcaire Pinot Noir

91 POINTS

Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion

Derwent River pinot noir, 40% whole bunches, 100% new oak. Bright ruby in the glass with aromas of red cherry, cranberry, red plum and raspberries cut with hints of exotic spice, amaro herbs, purple flowers, undergrowth, roast game and earth. There's some nice clarity and detail on the palate, pure red and dark cherry and berry fruits, fine tannins providing the frame and a bright minerally line providing the drive.

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Been a while in-between Derwents for me. This gets 100% new oak and 40% whole bunch. It’s a light bright red fruited wine underneath a lavish amount of spicy oak, also has some fennel seed perfume. It’s a little sappy, with cranberry crunch, orange peel, some toasty and earthy flavours, but the dominant character is toasty spiced oak, which seems too heavy for a wine that’s kind of delicate. There’s something of a quiet ‘mineral’ character to the wine too, which may come up with time. Feels a bit hard as at now, though may improve.