Lake House Postcard Pinot Noir 2024

Partners in Wine WA Review

92 Points

“Simple, but in the best possible way. Loads of bright red cherry fruit shine through. This is a Pinot that is all about fruit, fruit and more fruit. There is very little obvious oak influence, with a light body and a refreshing, super-enjoyable style. I do love a complex, layered and earthy Pinot Noir, which this is not, but I still love it for exactly what it is: bright, uncomplicated and delicious, with just a subtle hint of spice. You must serve it at around 14°C to let that beautiful fruit shine.”

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright, youthful purple.
• Aromatics: Vibrant red cherry, strawberry and ripe berries, with subtle cool-climate spice and a gentle touch of vanilla.
• Palate: Light-bodied and fruit-driven, with red cherry, ripe berry, black cherry and strawberry flowing easily through the palate.
• Oak: Subtle French oak sits quietly behind the fruit, contributing only a gentle touch of vanilla and spice.
• Structure: Soft tannins and fresh acidity give the wine a light, refreshing mouthfeel.
• Finish: Fine and persistent, with lingering red cherry and berry fruit.

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2024
• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Region: Denmark, Great Southern, Western Australia
• Vineyard: The Lake House Denmark estate vineyard
• Maturation: 12 months in French oak barriques
• Alcohol: 13.0%
• Style: Light-bodied, dry and fruit-driven red
• Serving temperature: Approximately 14°C
• Decanting: Not required
• Cellaring: Best enjoyed young while its fruit remains bright
• Allergens: Contains sulphites

Serving Temperature

Serve The Lake House Postcard Pinot Noir at approximately 14°C. This is cooler than most people traditionally serve red wine but warmer than the average refrigerator. At this temperature, the cherry and strawberry flavours remain bright and clearly defined, while the wine feels light and refreshing. If the bottle has been stored at approximately 22 to 24°C, place it in the refrigerator for around 60 to 75 minutes before opening. Avoid serving it warm. At higher temperatures, the alcohol becomes more noticeable and the delicate red fruit can lose some of its freshness.

Does It Need Decanting?

This Pinot Noir does not require extended decanting.

Its light body, gentle tannins and fruit-forward character are ready to enjoy shortly after opening. Giving the wine approximately 30 minutes should be enough for the cherry and strawberry aromas to emerge. 

Cellaring

This Pinot is made primarily for current drinking and is at its most appealing while the red cherry and strawberry flavours remain vibrant. It can be kept for a few years under suitable storage conditions, but there is no need to wait. If cellared, its fresh fruit may gradually become softer and develop more savoury, earthy notes. For the brightest and most refreshing expression, enjoy it young.

Food Pairing 

• Duck: Red cherry fruit is a classic match for roast duck, duck breast or duck pancakes.
• Salmon: The wine is light enough for grilled or roasted salmon, particularly with herbs or a cherry glaze.
• Pork: Try it with roast pork, pork tenderloin or glazed ham.
• Pizza: Its bright fruit and acidity work well with mushroom, prosciutto or simple margherita pizza.
• Charcuterie: A chilled glass is excellent with prosciutto, salami, pâté and mild cheeses.
• Chicken: Pair with herb-roasted chicken, grilled chicken or a creamy chicken and mushroom dish.
• Mushroom dishes: Pinot’s gentle earthy background complements mushroom pasta, risotto or grilled field mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fruit-driven Pinot Noir” mean?

A fruit-driven Pinot places flavours such as cherry, strawberry and raspberry at the centre of the wine.

Oak, tannin, earthiness and winemaking complexity remain in the background rather than dominating the palate.

In plain English, the wine tastes immediately fruity and enjoyable without needing time to understand or unravel it.

Does describing the wine as simple mean it is low quality?

No. Simple can be a positive description when a wine clearly delivers what it promises.

This Pinot is not trying to be heavily layered, powerfully structured or extremely complex. Its appeal comes from bright red fruit, freshness and easy drinking.

Sometimes you want a wine to analyse slowly. Other times, you want a delicious Pinot that tastes great from the first glass. This is the latter.

Is this an earthy style of Pinot Noir?

No.

The winery notes a gentle cool-climate earthy and spicy character, but our tasting found the wine overwhelmingly focused on fresh red cherry and berry fruit.

Drinkers looking for a deeply earthy, mushroom-like or forest-floor style may prefer a more mature or complex Pinot. This wine is best suited to people who enjoy freshness and fruit.

What does light-bodied mean?

Body describes the weight and richness of wine in your mouth.

A light-bodied wine feels more delicate and refreshing, while a full-bodied wine feels richer and heavier.

This Pinot has a lighter texture, gentle tannins and moderate alcohol, making it easy to enjoy without food and particularly appealing in warmer weather.

Why should this Pinot Noir be served at 14°C?

Serving the wine at approximately 14°C keeps its red cherry and strawberry flavours fresh and clearly defined.

If served too warm, the alcohol can become more noticeable and the delicate fruit may feel soft or heavy.

Slight chilling makes the wine brighter, more refreshing and more enjoyable.

How do I get the wine to 14°C?

If the bottle is at a typical Australian room temperature of 22 to 24°C, place it in the refrigerator for approximately 60 to 75 minutes.

If the wine is already refrigerator-cold, remove it around 20 minutes before serving.

The exact timing will vary depending on your refrigerator and room temperature, so do not worry if it is a degree or two either side of 14°C.

Why is the oak influence so subtle after 12 months in barrel?

Oak barrels can be new or previously used. New barrels contribute stronger flavours, while older barrels have a gentler effect.

What are tannins?

Tannins are natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds and oak. They create the drying or slightly grippy feeling you may notice after drinking red wine.

Pinot Noir generally has gentler tannins than varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz.

The tannins in this wine are soft and finely textured, contributing shape without making it feel dry or heavy.

What are sulphites?

Sulphites help protect wine from oxidation and unwanted microbial activity during production and storage.

They are used in very small amounts and are also created naturally during fermentation. Australian wine labels must declare sulphites when they are present above the required threshold.