It's fair to say that I am a bit of a whore for a Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Subtlety and complexity abound, and the hallmarks of bright red fruit, elegant tannin structures and faint hints of lavender, spice and oak influence describe it to a tee.
Steels Gate is in Dixon's Creek, a sub region of the Yarra Valley and is owned by two lovely gentlemen, Matthew and Brad and their son Sebastian. An engineer (Matthew) a scientist (Brad) and a future winemaker (Sebastian) respectively, they make a great team. A vast sprawling vineyard over two blocks with a cellar door and restaurant, and planted with mostly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and smaller parcels of cabernet, it's a beautiful property. Matthew is the viticulturist, Brad handles the operations and together they produce the wines, in this case a stunning, mid price point Pinot Noir. They also produce non Yarra Valley wines - a Riesling, Graciano and Bastardo from the Nagambie region in Central Victoria. Im looking forward to getting the old paws on those.
This 2019 ripper really emphasises the terroir, the place they occupy and is reflective of the region's hallmarks, yet there is a little something else there. The wine is made from old vines, which have been in the ground for 40 years. The nose is resplendent with black cherry, spice, red berries and that faint whiff of lavender. Rich and yet restrained, the palate is sophisticated and a little brutish, but I reckon another year or two might temper that out a bit. I like it so am not at all disappointed.
The red and black berry notes are ever present, opening up to a finely textured and layered wine with tight, yet velvety tannins and continued complexity. It seems a little bigger than some of its counterparts, making it a tad more masculine. There are also some earthy notes, again adding to both texture and complexity and a delicate acidity all the way to the finish. There s bit of stalky chewiness to finish and the spicy savoury influence from the French oak lingers politely.
I'm taking this to a dinner where there are true wine lovers to gauge their thoughts. I know I'm enamoured - who knows if its just the day but to me, at this price, I reckon its a very decent value for money Pinot and I am looking forward to another round, and what the 2020 has to offer.
Serve this with duck, or pop it on the Christmas table to wash down a slab of ham and some turkey. It wont disappoint at all.
RRP $35
VIC | 2019 | Yarra Valley | 13.2% ABV