LS Merchants Pinot Noir 2025

Awards

92 Points, Halliday Wine Companion

“I have a soft spot for this region and pinot is one of its charms. Distinct strawberry flavours, black cherries and kirsch with plenty of spices and fresh herbs. Mid-weighted, this is juicy and tangy with ripe, lightly textural tannins in unison with the fresh acidity. It’s supple and delicious, ready to pour and enjoy in its youth.”

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Bright ruby red with youthful clarity.
• Aromatics: Fresh strawberry, black cherry and kirsch, followed by dried spice, forest herbs and a gentle floral lift.
• Palate: Juicy red and dark cherry fruit sits at the centre, with tangy acidity bringing energy and definition. Ripe, lightly textural tannins give the wine a softly structured feel without making it dry or heavy.
• Finish: Supple and savoury, with lingering cherry, spice and fresh herbal notes.

Southern Forests Pinot Noir

The cooler country around Manjimup and Pemberton has become one of Western Australia’s most exciting areas for Pinot Noir. Its long, measured ripening conditions help build vivid fruit flavour while preserving the freshness, perfume and fine tannin that make the variety so appealing.

LS Merchants’ previous Pinot release came from a gravelly vineyard between Manjimup and Pemberton and was deliberately shaped as a bright, summer-friendly expression. The highly rated 2025 continues that approachable direction, with extra emphasis on fragrant red fruit, spice and fresh herbal detail.

Wine Details

Region: Southern Forests, Western Australia
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2025
Style: Mid-weighted, juicy and lightly savoury
Alcohol: 13.3%
Closure: Screw cap

Serving and Cellaring

Serve: 14 to 16°C

Place the bottle in the fridge for around 15 to 20 minutes before serving if it has been stored at normal room temperature. The slight chill will sharpen the fruit, lift the aromatics and make the wine even more refreshing.

Decant: Highly desired. An hour will allow the spice and herbal detail to emerge.

Cellar: Made to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now or over the next three to five years while its cherry fruit and perfume remain bright.

Food Pairing

• Roast duck with cherry or plum sauce
• Charcuterie, pâté and smoked cheeses
• Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta
• Roast chicken with thyme and root vegetables
• Grilled salmon or seared tuna
• Woodfired pizza with mushrooms and prosciutto

FAQ 🧐

Is LS Merchants Pinot Noir 2025 light or full-bodied?
It sits in the mid-weighted range. It has more substance than a very delicate Pinot, but remains supple, fresh and considerably lighter than Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

What does kirsch taste like in wine?
Kirsch is a clear cherry spirit. As a tasting description, it suggests concentrated, aromatic cherry fruit rather than sweetness or noticeable alcohol.

Should Pinot Noir be chilled?
A slight chill suits this wine beautifully. Around 14 to 16°C keeps the red fruit lively and makes the tannins feel especially smooth.

Is this Pinot Noir sweet?
No. It is a dry red wine. Its strawberry and cherry flavours give it a juicy impression, balanced by fresh acidity and light tannin.

Is it suitable for drinking without food?
Yes. Its supple texture and ripe tannins make it easy to enjoy by itself, although its savoury spice and acidity also make it very versatile with food.