Pristine pinot noir from Burgundy, California, Martinborough, Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills

From France via California and New Zealand, the pinot noir plane is landing with a collection of wines that showcase the ethereal qualities of this celebrated grape.

Four more stops in the neverending search for pinot.

Here we go, leading a merry chase for pinot noir across the winemaking world.

The Australian Wine Club this week salutes that most beguiling of grapes, putting together a collection that begins in the Adelaide Hills and Yarra Valley before jumping the ditch to that special little place called Martinborough and then winging it to northern California and finally landing in the motherland of Burgundy.

From fruit-driven purity to savoury styles, from raspberries and cherries to mushrooms and earthiness, from vineyards warmed in big-sky country to those cooled by the fog of San Francisco Bay, this is an offer for those whose search for good pinot is never over.

You may not have heard of some of the wineries behind these wines – many are small, boutique operations you won’t find in the local bottleshop – but be assured myself and our team have carefully considered the merits of each wine.

If you are new to pinot but finding yourself drawn to lighter styles of red – slightly lower in alcohol but still full of flavour – take the plunge here.

I strongly recommend including the Martinborough in our special 15-bottle offer. It’s a beauty. It’s not every day you can pick up pinots from four different countries and five different regions in the one box. Santa Claus is on his way.

Long Gully Estate Single Vineyard Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021

Located in the foothills of the Yarra ranges, Long Gully was established in the early 1980s but fell into neglect before being purchased in 2018 by the Magdziarz family and Vin Lopes, who have invested significantly to restore the vineyards and winemaking operation. The 2021 was the first pinot produced purely from the estate’s vineyards. Pristine fruit on the nose – raspberries and cherries – and a savoury waft of bacon. Lovely mouthfeel; tart raspberries and cherries on the palate. Perfectly balanced acidity and soft tannins. A Yarra Valley winery on the rise and well worth getting to know. 13.5% alc; RRP $38 a bottle.

SPECIALS $33.99 a bottle in any dozen; $33.33 a bottle in pinot dozen

The Kings’ Creed Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2021

Crafted by legendary winemaker Ben Riggs, a veteran of 47 vintages who worked for years at Wirra Wirra before founding Mr Riggs Wine Co in 2001. Savoury style of pinot, with rosewater and marzipan on the nose, leading to red cherry and red currant flavours opening to Turkish delight and hints of truffle. Glossy tannins. From an excellent vintage in the Adelaide Hills. 93pts at the Melbourne International Wine Show. 13% alc; RRP $35 a bottle.

SPECIALS $29.99 a bottle in any dozen; $33.33 a bottle in pinot dozen

Pescadero Rock Pinot Noir 2020

From Californian fruit grown at well-sited vineyards in Lodi and Clarksburg, between San Francisco and Sacramento, comes this vibrant pinot offering attractive raspberry, red cherry, mushroom and clove aromas. Lodi is known for producing plush, ripe fruited grapes, while in cooler Clarksburg the grapes retain natural acid and slightly firmer tannins. The blend comes together with a palate that is soft, ripe and round. Subtle tannin and fresh acidity brings through a burst of juicy red fruit. Easy drinking. 13.5% alc; RRP $36 a bottle.

SPECIALS $29.99 a bottle in any dozen; $33.33 a bottle in pinot dozen

Domaine Lucien Camus-Bruchon Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019

From a star winemaker of southern Burgundy, Guillaume Camus, described by Wine Advocate as “an excellent source for keenly priced, classically balanced wines”. You’ll find hints of mushroom and earthiness on the nose, with undertones of raspberries and cherry kirsch. Good natural acidity propels the mellow flavours of raspberry and savouriness on the palate. There’s power here and a roundness of flavour, with soft tannins floating towards a lingering finish. Let the wine breathe and enjoy how it changes in your glass over a meal. A year in oak adds complexity. Brilliant value in this special offer. 13% alc; RRP $70 a bottle.

SPECIALS $59.99 a bottle in any dozen; $33.33 a bottle in pinot dozen

PINOT DOZEN Three bottles of each wine above for $33.33 a bottle. Save $137 a dozen.

Big Sky Te Muna Road Martinborough Pinot Noir 2020

 

Martinborough has long been one of my favourite pinot-producing regions and this silky creature fits the bill entirely. From a boutique winery whose owners, Jeremy Corban and Katherine Jacobs, aim to make the best wine they can, not the most. “That means being hands-on, and only as big as we can with us being involved at every step,’’ they say. Jeremy is a fourth-generation winemaker, from a family with a 100-year winemaking history in New Zealand, while Katherine studied viticulture and winemaking when living in France and doing vintages in Bordeaux. The Te Muna Road is Big Sky’s flagship wine, combining fruit purity with complexity. Classic Martinborough dark cherry aromas followed by waves of blueberries, violets, rose water and cloves. Dark cherry and plum flavours run deep, supported by savoury characters and a touch of warm spice. Refined, clean and elegant. 13.5% alc; RRP $52 a bottle.

SPECIALS $46.99 a bottle in any dozen or add three bottles to the pinot dozen above for $35 a bottle in 15-bottle offer. Save $168.

WA CUSTOMERS: We regret to inform you that due to recent and ongoing disruptions to road and rail infrastructure, we are unable to fulfil WA orders at this time. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Order online or telephone [phone] Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals available only while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550.