From the pronounced, intricate nose onward, this is an incredibly concentrated and complex vintage: fig, apricot, blueberry and vanilla lead the way, before the palate unfolds—elegant, surprisingly light-bodied—in a burst of blackberry, sage, tobacco and a red liquorice sweetness. Very subtle notes of hallmark Domaine A eucalyptus round out a delightful wine that speaks very much to our Bordeaux-inspired roots.
Pinot noir sourced from a 2ha plot at Domaine A in the Coal River Valley. It's a substantial, concentrated style, deep in colour with rich aromas and flavours of blackberry and maraschino cherry underscored with hints of fruitcake spices, cedar, tobacco, fennel gratin, beef jus, licorice and lighter tones of sous bois and dried herbs. Mouth-filling and powerful with tight-grained tannin, layers of spice and herbs and a flexing, black-fruited finish. Impressive and stylistically, one for those seeking power over grace.
—Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (95 points)