Mount Barker Pinot Noir 2023

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Light red, showcasing the wine’s fresh, elegant character.
• Bouquet: An aromatic blend of wild strawberries and red currants, layered with subtle herbal notes. The complexity of the bouquet is enhanced by a hint of savouriness, adding intrigue to the bright fruit aromas.
• Palate: On the palate, strawberry flavours dominate, with an elegant and creamy texture. The fine tannins provide a smooth mouthfeel, while a lively spice lingers on the finish, enhancing the overall complexity. Quality French oak imparts subtle savoury notes, rounding out the fruit profile and contributing to a balanced acidity. The finish is prolonged and intricate, showcasing the wine’s structure and depth.
• Finish: A long, satisfying finish that combines a soft plushness with a firm, powerful core, creating a lasting impression.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Grilled Salmon: The fresh, vibrant fruit profile pairs beautifully with the richness of grilled salmon, making for a perfect match.
• Braised Duck: The wine’s balanced structure and savoury notes enhance the depth of braised duck, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Cheese & Charcuterie: For a more casual yet elegant pairing, enjoy the wine with a cheese and charcuterie platter. The wine’s complexity and acidity will complement a variety of cheeses and cured meats.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve at 16C to allow the wine’s aromas and flavours to fully express themselves. If storing at room temperature (22°C), chill the bottle in the fridge for about 45 minutes before serving.

Technical Terms Explained:

• Pump-overs: A process during fermentation where the juice is regularly pumped over the grape skins to extract colour, flavour, and tannins. This technique helps to enhance the wine’s depth and structure.
• French Oak: Barrels made from French oak are used to mature the wine, imparting subtle flavours of spice, vanilla, and a slight savoury complexity. The use of 24% new French oak in this Pinot Noir contributes to its refined structure and depth.
• Lees Aging: The process of aging the wine on its yeast cells (lees) after fermentation. This adds texture, complexity, and subtle flavour notes, contributing to the wine’s rich, creamy mouthfeel.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Region: Mount Barker, Great Southern
• Alcohol: 13.5% by Vol | 8.1 Standard Drinks
• pH: 3.69
• Total Acidity: 6.0 g/L
• Maturation: 10 months in French oak barrels, 24% new oak
• Winemaker: Rob Diletti

Accolades:

• 96 Points, Ray Jordan
  “Such a pretty, yet powerful statement of Mount Barker Pinot. The season provided the ideal base for its creation. Aromas of dark cherry and a perfumed strawberry nuance, with an array of spices adding allure. A soft plushness on the palate with a firm core sustaining the finish. A breakthrough wine for 3 Drops.”

Learn More About 3Drops

3drops Winery is located Southwest of Mount Barker in the heart of the acclaimed Great Southern wine region of Western Australia, vines and olive trees flourish side by side in the cool, pristine climate.

3 Drops Winery: A Taste of Western Australia

Nestled in the heart of Mount Barker, 3 Drops Winery is a gem of the Great Southern region of Western Australia, renowned for its exceptional wines and stunning vineyard landscapes. Our unique location benefits from a Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm summer days and cool nights, ideal for grape growing. Complemented by gravelly loam soils, our vineyards showcase a distinctive terroir that imparts remarkable flavours and complexity to our wines.

Our Vineyards: A Legacy of Quality

Established in 1999, 3 Drops Winery began with the meticulous planting of eight hectares of vines along Wragg Road. Our initial selections included a diverse array of varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz. This foundational planting set the stage for what has become a dynamic and thriving vineyard.

In 2002, we expanded our horizons to include an additional 6.5 hectares, diversifying our offerings with the introduction of Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Nebbiolo. This commitment to variety allows us to produce a rich tapestry of wines that cater to a wide range of palates and preferences.

A significant milestone for 3 Drops came in May 2006 with the acquisition of the adjacent Patterson’s vineyard. This six-hectare expansion not only increased our vineyard size by 50 per cent but also enriched our portfolio with valuable aged vines. Originally planted in 1982, Patterson’s vineyard is home to exceptional Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir grapes, each contributing to the depth and character of our wine selections.

Our Philosophy: Quality and Passion in Every Bottle

At 3 Drops Winery, we believe that great wine starts in the vineyard. Under the meticulous management of our dedicated viticulturist, Ray Williams, we focus on sustainable practices that enhance the health of our vines and the environment. Our commitment to quality is further elevated by the expertise of winemaker Rob Diletti, known for his innovative approach at Castle Rock. Together, Ray and Rob ensure that every bottle of wine produced at 3 Drops reflects the dedication, passion, and craftsmanship involved in the winemaking process.

Our Signature Wines: A Journey of Flavour

Our wines are a true expression of our unique terroir, with each varietal showcasing distinct characteristics that reflect the land and climate. Among our standout offerings, our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have garnered particular acclaim. The Pinot Noir is celebrated for its elegant structure, vibrant fruit flavours, and subtle earthy undertones, making it a perfect companion for a variety of dishes. Our Chardonnay exhibits a beautiful balance of richness and acidity, with notes of stone fruits and a hint of oak, ideal for those who appreciate a classic yet refined white wine.

In addition to these signature varietals, our diverse portfolio includes the crisp and aromatic Riesling, the full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, and the smooth Merlot, ensuring that there is something for every wine lover to enjoy.

The Climate and Soil: A Perfect Combination

The climate at 3 Drops Winery plays a crucial role in producing high-quality wines. With warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, our Mediterranean climate allows for a long and gradual ripening period. This extended growing season enables the grapes to develop rich flavours and maintain a perfect balance of acidity. The cool nights further enhance the fruit’s freshness, ensuring vibrant characteristics in every bottle.

Our vineyard’s gravelly loam soils are equally significant, providing excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support healthy vine growth. The mineral-rich composition of the soil contributes unique flavour profiles to our grapes, enhancing their complexity and depth. This harmonious interplay between climate and soil allows us to create wines that truly reflect the essence of our terroir.

There are some wonderful reviews on the 3drops wine range from Wine Companion & Ray Jordan.