Below & Above Pinot Noir 2022

Tasting Notes

The Below & Above Pemberton Pinot Noir offers a perfumed bouquet of rose petals and vanilla spice, creating an enticing first impression. These delicate aromas are complemented by a silky, smooth palate with medium-bodied, masculine cherry flavours and a touch of allspice that lingers on the finish.

Soft tannins provide a delicate structure, ensuring the wine’s smoothness while allowing for the expression of its fruit-forward character. The subtle integration of oak adds depth and complexity, yet the fruit remains the star, shining through with its purity and fresh character. A harmonious balance between elegance and power makes this wine both approachable now and a great candidate for cellaring, where it will continue to evolve and develop over time.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Roast Duck: The rich flavours of roast duck pair beautifully with the silky smooth texture and cherry notes of the Pinot Noir.
• Grilled Lamb: The wine’s delicate tannins and soft finish make it a perfect match for grilled lamb, especially when seasoned with herbs like rosemary and garlic.
• Soft Cheeses: Soft, creamy cheeses like camembert or brie complement the wine’s smooth, fruit-forward character, enhancing its elegance and balance.
• Grilled Vegetables: A versatile pairing for grilled vegetables, where the wine’s fresh acidity and soft tannins match the smoky, earthy flavours.

Best Serving Temp:

For the optimal drinking experience, serve the Below & Above Pemberton Pinot Noir at 14°C to 16°C. This temperature will allow the wine’s perfumed aromas and silky texture to shine, enhancing its delicate balance of fruit, spice, and soft tannins. Serving it too cold may mask its complexity, while too warm could amplify its tannins.

If storing at room temperature (22°C): To bring the wine to the ideal serving temperature, chill it in the fridge for about 45-60 minutes before serving.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure the wine is enjoyed at its full potential, offering a harmonious, balanced experience.

Additional Information

• Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
• Region: Pemberton, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5% by Vol | 8.0 Standard Drinks
• Cellaring Potential: 5-7 years
• Closure: Screwcap

FAQ Wine Terms

• Regenerative Growing: A farming practice that goes beyond sustainability, focusing on improving the health of the soil, ecosystems, and biodiversity while producing high-quality, environmentally conscious wines.
• Whole Cluster Fermentation: A technique where clusters of grapes, including stems, are fermented together, helping to extract additional flavours, texture, and complexity.
• Puncheons: A large barrel, typically 500L, used for ageing wine. It imparts a more subtle oak influence compared to smaller barrels.
• Allspice: A warm spice flavour with hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which can add depth and complexity to the wine’s finish.

Accolades

Ray Jordan Wine | 95 Points

Starting to establish itself as one of the premier pinot noir producers in the state, and this wine perfectly illustrates that claim. Red fruits with sour cherry, slightly earthy mushroom-like influence, and then some brighter cranberry and raspberry-like characters. The palate is typically light-bodied, but it has power and persistence. Intricately layered and woven together, with the chalky tannins and well-managed oak working seamlessly with what is some excellent fruit. Has the structure and quality of fruit to handle further cellaring.