🍇 Clonal Details & Vineyard

Duke’s planted three different Pinot Noir clones in the Koomal Creek block (Smithbrook, on the northern fringe of Pemberton). They were grafted onto old Shiraz rootstock at the end of 2024 and chosen for their small bunches and tiny berries, ideal for producing a concentrated, cool‑climate Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes 🍇

• Colour – Translucent garnet with ruby hues.
• Aromas – Blood orange, wild herbs, sour cherry and spice, supported by subtle oak and dark cocoa.
• Palate – Medium-bodied with flavours of red berries, earthy spice, and a silky line of dark chocolate. Supple tannins and lifted acidity create drive and tension.
• Finish – Long and savoury with a lingering whisper of allspice and forest floor.

Food Pairings 🍴

• Duck Breast with Cherry Jus – The wine’s acidity and fruit complement rich gamey flavours.

• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – Earthy characters in both food and wine create harmony.

• Charcuterie & Washed Rind Cheese – Pairs beautifully with bold, umami-rich snacks.

• Herbed Pork Belly – Herbs in the dish amplify the wine’s dried herbal complexity.

Winemaking & Vintage 🍷

Winemaker – Ben Cane

Vineyard – Koomal Creek, Pemberton (Southern Forests, WA)

Clone – Pinot Noir (Clone specifics not detailed, but likely mixed for complexity)

Vintage Conditions – A cooler growing season in 2024 contributed to excellent fruit concentration and finesse. Small berry size and low yields ensured intensity of flavour.

Bottling Date – February 2025

Maturation – Expected to have been matured in French oak, though specifics are yet to be released.

Storage & Serving Tips 🧊

• Serving Temperature – 14–16°C to accentuate its brightness and perfume.

• Storage – Best enjoyed now through 2030 for freshness and evolution.

• Decanting – Not essential, but 1-2 hours in a wide based decanter will certainly assist bringing out the aromas and flavours.

FAQ 🤔

❓ Is this Duke’s first Pinot Noir?
Yes — this is the first release of a Pinot Noir, signalling a new direction from their iconic varietals like Riesling, Shiraz & Cabernet.

❓ What makes Pemberton Pinot special?
The cool climate, granite soils, and maritime influence create Pinot Noirs with finesse, spice, and bright red fruit — similar in character to Central Otago or Yarra Valley, but with a WA twist.

❓ Can this be cellared?
Yes, while delicious now, it will develop earthy complexity and silky structure over 5–6 years.

Additional Info 📋

• Grape Variety – 100% Pinot Noir

• Region – Pemberton, Southern Forests, WA

• Alcohol – 13.8% ABV

• Cellaring Potential – Now to 2030

• Closure – Screwcap

• Volume – 750ml

• Winemaker – Ben Cane

Learn About Duke’s Vineyard

Duke’s Vineyard is nestled between the picture-perfect Stirling & Porongurup ranges of Western Australia, in the Great Southern Wine Region. Duke’s wines is a family-owned, boutique winery that has achieved many outstanding accolades over a 20 plus year history including being awarded Best Australian Wine of the Year in 2019 James Halliday’s Wine Companion.

Dukes Winery has an award-winning collection of dry Rieslings, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz which thrive in the opulent surroundings of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Porongurups.

When founders Duke and Hilde Ranson retired in 2022, Ben Cane and his partner Sarah Date stepped in to acquire Duke’s Vineyard. Ben, formerly the chief winemaker at esteemed labels in Australia and California, felt deeply privileged to take the reins of this family-owned enterprise. Duke’s Vineyard, celebrated for its role in elevating Great Southern Rieslings to prominence, entrusted Ben to carry forward its legacy of excellence, and he has done just that!

Read the latest Dukes Wine Reviews Here

Planning a trip to the Porongurup area? Make sure to visit the official Porongurup Wine Association page HERE