Silkwood Walcott Pinot Noir 2023

Accolades

92 pts – Ken Gargett (Wine Pilot)
West Aussie Pinot continues its ascendency. This fine example is from a single vineyard in Pemberton. It spends ten months maturing in French oak barriques, 20% of them new. Pale crimson in colour, this is very much from the savoury end of the spectrum on the nose, which is all mushrooms and turned earth with beef stock, rotting wood in a wet forest and animal skins. It offers a fine texture with bright acidity and silky tannins, with a persistent finish. Lovers of savoury Pinot will be entranced, offering pleasure for at least the next half dozen years.

92 pts- Ray Jordan
Smooth, effortless, stylish and seamless. There just some of the obvious observations in this excellent pinot noir. Opens with a burst of cherry and sweet raspberry cut with a little spice and slightly edgier cranberry juice. The palate is light bodied but with a firm structural core supporting the fine and quite pretty fruit. Persistent and focussed through to the long finish.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep red with a slight garnet hue.
• Aromatics: Lifted notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and truffle with hints of smoky oak.
• Palate: A concentrated core of dark berries, fine tannins, and integrated spice, leading to a savoury, lingering finish.

Winemaker’s Note

“The 2022 vintage was truly remarkable for our Pinot Noir. The natural conditions allowed the fruit to ripen at a steady pace, bringing out the varietal’s signature elegance and complexity. The balance between fruit purity, oak influence, and fine tannins makes this a standout wine for those who appreciate a sophisticated, cool-climate Pinot Noir.”

Sustainability & Natural Practices

At Silkwood Estate, we are committed to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Our methods allow the fruit to fully express its natural character while reducing our environmental impact. This Pinot Noir is a testament to our dedication to quality and eco-conscious production.

Additional Storage & Serving Tips

• Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed at 16°C to highlight its depth and complexity.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with consistent humidity to preserve its delicate structure.
• Decanting: Allow the wine to breathe for 90 minutes before serving to enhance its aromatic expression.

FAQ

Q: What does ‘oak maturation’ mean? A: Oak maturation refers to the process of ageing wine in oak barrels. This Pinot Noir was aged in 100% French oak barriques (20% new, 80% two-year-old), which adds layers of spice, structure, and subtle smokiness.

Q: Why does Pinot Noir have fine tannins? A: Pinot Noir naturally has thinner skins, which result in softer, more refined tannins compared to bolder red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. These fine tannins create an elegant mouthfeel and lingering finish.

Q: How did the 2022 vintage conditions affect this Pinot Noir? A: The combination of replenishing winter rains, a cool summer, and extended ripening led to balanced acidity, concentrated fruit flavours, and fine tannins, making this vintage particularly refined.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce – The wine’s sour cherry notes complement the richness of duck.
• Grilled Salmon with Herbs – The savoury, smoky nuances balance beautifully with lightly grilled salmon.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto – Earthy mushrooms enhance the wine’s truffle-like complexity.

Technical Details

• Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
• Region: Pemberton, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5% by volume (approx. 8 standard drinks)
• Oak Maturation: 10 months in 100% French oak barriques (20% new, 80% two-year-old)
• Ageing Potential: 5–8 years

• Closure: Screw cap