Brilliantly bright fresh purple-red colour is medium depth, the aromas vegetal and plummy, a hint of green olive, a suggestion of whole-berry fermentation. The wine is quite firm to finish giving it serious structure that bodes well for its future. Excellent concentration of dark cherry flavour and medium-full body. A wine of depth, structure and potential. Points: 95/100
A super Coal River pinot noir from Tom Carson; 8% whole bunch. Dark cherry and red plum fruits cut with hints of struck flint, medina spice, poached rhubarb, dried shiitake, mountain herbs, leaf litter, oak spice, Chinese barbecue joint and earth. Nicely composed with a liminal twiggy glance, pure, spicy fruit flow, fine river-silt tannins and that vivid saline acid drive that the southern isle does so well. Points: 95/100
