Sidewood Estate Adelaide Hills Abel Pinot Noir 2019 13.5% 6x75 (Halliday 96 points)

“96 points. Bright brick red colour, a little shy to the nose, though thoroughly enticing, perhaps because of this. Shag-pile carpet softness on the palate offers a gentle feel, before you notice its fruit-driven acidity in a delicate wave of subtle and sophisticated pinot. As alluring as pinot can be.” James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Elegant and complex, this Pinot Noir balances vibrant fruit with savoury, earthy elements and a silky texture, supporting a long, harmonious finish.

The nose is expressive, with aromas of mulberry and dark plum, complemented by red cherry, red currant, and raspberry. Subtle notes of earth, loamy soil, and black truffle add complexity, while hints of strawberries and cream linger in the background.

Medium-bodied and velvety, the palate delivers a seamless mix of blueberries, mulberry, and dark plum, layered with liquorice and a touch of chocolate. Earthy undertones and black truffle contribute depth, while fine, supple tannins provide structure and length

From the 2019 vintage only 250 dozen bottles were produced from the famed Abel clone of Pinot Noir. This clone is supposedly sourced from the Romanee Conti vineyard in Burgundy, which was then widely cultivated in New Zealand.