Calvert Pinot Noir 2021

Calvert Pinot Noir comes from a small, single-vineyard site in Bannockburn planted in 1999 and certified organic since 2006 - a family property built on the idea that small things, done beautifully, add up to something exceptional. Dark ruby in the glass, it opens with lively notes of dried thyme and cinnamon spice over dark berry fruit and a savoury, earthy undertone. The palate is silky and smooth-tannined, concentrated and structural without ever feeling heavy, finishing long and even. It's a Pinot Noir with real sense of place - the kind that rewards a decant and a bit of patience, whether that's tonight or several years from now.

What the winery says:
Calvert is a small, family-owned single vineyard in Bannockburn, planted in 1999 by Owen Calvert on land he'd held since 1989. The vineyard transitioned to organic management in 2003 and achieved BioGro certification by 2006. 2021 was a strong growing season - the grapes ripened well, giving fruit that produced a concentrated, structural wine. Dark berry fruits and robust earthy flavours carry through to a smooth, lengthy finish.

Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, 96/100 (2021 Vintage)
"Fabulous bouquet driven by ripeness, youth and vibrancy. Scents of ripe concentrated black cherry cushioned against a savoury-dried-herb quality giving this wine a sense of place. Other aromas include clove and baking spices of barrel, dried earth and black raspberry compote. Complex and youthful. On the palate a textured, concentrated and luscious wine with textures from polished tannins and backbone of acidity, the concentration of fruits absorb the barrel flavours well and all tannins begin to dissolve slowly on the palate. Excellent length and power. Best drinking from likely 2026 through 2036+ if stored well."

Emma Jenkins, Master of Wine, 96/100 (2021 Vintage)
"Dark cherry, milk chocolate, star anise, dried herbs, rosehip and a touch of earth and graphite. There's plenty of fruit but this isn't a fruity wine, rather it's savoury and complex with many layers to explore on the smooth, supple palate. Good fruit concentration and sandy tannins. A harmonious, calm wine, all nicely together but with a sense of place and character."

Stephen Wong, Master of Wine, The Real Review, 94/100 (2021 Vintage)
"Perfumed wholebunch, stemmy, aromatic, quite complex. Energetic fruit with floral nuances over juicy, ripe fruit which enters red and finishes black. Good concentration and quite plush; an accessible and user-friendly style which nonetheless has density to benefit from ageing."