Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety associated with the Burgundy region in France. The name derives from the French words for "pine" and "black", which reference the similarity between the clusters of Pinot Noir grapes and the shape of pine cones! The Yarra Valley is one of the best regions in the world for producing highly-sensitive Pinot Noir, which is one of the few exceptional wines to reflect the specific land and climatic conditions into the taste of the wine. Pinot Noir is Charles' first love, leading him to the Yarra Valley back in 1999, where he developed the Yarra Junction vineyard to plant Burgundian clones for premium Pinot Noir production.
Tasting Notes
Beautifully bright dark crimson in the glass this wine shows savoury sour cherry and rose petal aromas with highlights of red delicious apples and hints of cedary earthy spice. The palate delivers layers of flavour with a pure core of concentrated juicy primary fruits. Dark cherries, red berries and hints of forest fruits are supported by fine chalky tannins and crunchy acidity providing the wine with persistence, balance, and texture.
12.8% Alc/Vol.A great blend of multiple clones (114, 115, MV6) from both the Yarra Junction and Dixons Creek Vineyards which allows us to build layering, which were whole berry fermented in open pot vessels. Specific batches were cold soaked for numerous days, slowly warmed and allowed to initiate ferment naturally then overseeded with inoculated strains. These batches form the core of this wine, the cold soak adding velvety richness, silky tannins and highlighted primary lifted perfume characters. All batches were gently pressed and allowed to finish MLF in oak. Maturation was for approximately nine months in 25% new, and a mixture of older French barrels specifically selected from forests that we have learnt over time, seamlessly integrate and highlight the nuances of this wine enhancing lots of concentration and primary fruit flavours.
This Wine Is Best Enjoyed
All-season and occasion drinking - a truly versatile addition to every scenario.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
The 2025 Mandala Pinot Noir pairs well with poultry, duck, and game meats like venison. It's also a good match for a range of dishes, from richer options like slow-cooked pork belly and beef steak to lighter fare such as oily fish, like salmon or tuna, and even certain pasta dishes like mushroom risotto or those with a light tomato sauce.