2023 Woodlawn Park Pinot Noir

95 POINTS

Tom Kline - Winepilot

This is excellent. The interplay of spice and fruit, the poise and restraint, the structure and length—it had me typing fast to keep up. There’s an attractively sweet tone to the aromas from the outset. Ripe plum and raspberry coulis are quickly cut by clove-studded orange, dusty cassia, nutmeg, and star anise. A swirl of the glass unlocks tilled earth, adding dimension and savoury complexity, alongside dark cherry and a cherry pit minerality. Once it all clicks into place, the aromatic profile is gorgeous – laden with umami and brown spice depth. The palate delivers intensity with lift and brightness. Raspberry, dark cherry, clove, star anise, earth, and a twist of blood orange glide through a satin-like texture, before firm tannins shape the wine and guide it to a very long finish. The spice lingers in the mouth perfume. A brilliant Pinot Noir.

94 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2023 Woodlawn Park Vineyard Pinot Noir is more savory and earthy than the almost glossy 2024 tasted alongside. Here, the wine leads with an array of red fruits, the tannins are more pronounced and it sits in a more savory spectrum of expression. This is spicy and yet ethereal, with dried rose petals, crushed rocks, exotic woodsy spices and dried herbs laced through the finish. These wines come warmly recommended. The estate-owned Woodlawn vineyard was planted in 2017 on chromosome aeolian sands over deep tertiary sediments. 13% alcohol, sealed under Diam and wax.

94 POINTS

Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion

An inviting vibrant ruby, this shows aromas of crunchy red apple, red cherry and raspberry fruits with hints of five-spice, charcuterie, purple flowers, teacake, pomegranate, crushed stone and shoyu. Graceful and finely textured, bright acidity pushing the wine forwards, fine elastic tannins keeping everything in check, fading slowly with a vivid energy and stony, savoury vibes.

93 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

From the family farm, and planted, for the clone geeks, to MV6, Pommard, 115, Abel. It has a modest time in oak too. A serious potency and fruitiness to this wine, almost a gummy texture, lots of rosy, rose petal and spice perfume. Nice. There’s brightness of red and black forest berries, a touch of cranberry drink, some candied orange peel in the mix with sweet spice on light dashes of milk chocolate shown. It feels lively and bright, enough glossy, rich texture to make most people happy, tannins supple and swishy throughout, if not a touch sticky. Maybe just a touch one note throughout, but charm plus and great pinosity.