-
94
/ 100
Mike Bennie -
98
/ 100
James Halliday's Wine Companion
Red
Classification
Pinot Noir
Variety
2022
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
South Australia, Adelaide Hills
Region
12.8%
Alcohol %
5-10 Years
Cellaring
Scores
94 / 100"Whiffs of cap gun, warm slate, a bit of flint too, plus dark cherry, salted liquorice. Savoury start, very. Smoky and flinty to taste, an override on dark cherry fruit, plum, licks of liquorice again and lingers with smokiness again. Tannins are grippy and Italianate, but the savoury and herbal elements rule. A caveat for some. Structured, serious pinot noir. A bottle opened day before: less of the savoury elements, chewy, juicy, dark fruited and the tannins ripping with authority. More fruit and herb and spice here. A better wine. 94+"
- Mike Bennie
98 / 100
"The wine is called Apollo, and when you taste it, it takes you to the stars. This wine is so good, and so distinct, that it's tempting to say that it redefines what is possible with pinot noir and the Adelaide Hills. It's complex. It's structured. It's Italianate. It's varietal. And it's itself. It brings smoked, ripe, berried fruit to the table and then layers woodsy herbs, gunmetal, twigs and peppers throughout. It's a big statement in measured, precise voice. Wow. Seriously. Wow."
- James Halliday's Wine Companion
Tasting Notes
The Australian wine industry has certainly taken note: Michael Downer (winemaker) was a Young Guns of Wine finalist in 2014 and the joint winner of the ‘Winemaker’s Choice’ in 2015 and 2016. He took the title of Young Gun of Wine outright in 2017. His wines consistently receive rave reviews from respected critics.
100% of the fruit for the Apollo was sourced from the family’s recently acquired Lenswood Vineyard. Initially planted in 1989. Red fruit, forest floor aromas and nice woody spices. 20% whole bunch and 40% new oak adds subtle complexing layers.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity