Harvest timing was closely in line with 2021, 2022 and the estate's long-term average. Unlike Chardonnay in the same vintage, Pinot Noir had even, easy bud-break. Yields remained naturally tiny, well under 35 hl/ha, reflecting the estate's low-vigour, stony, clay-rich, iron-rich shale soils and cool maritime mesoclimate. A portion of the fruit is fermented as whole bunches, a technique the estate has used since 2015, settled at around 15%. This lifts aromatic complexity without adding unwanted phenolics that could work against the wine's ageing potential. Fermentation relies primarily on natural, indigenous yeast, backed up if needed by the estate's own cultivated strain, "Sauvage."

100% 228 litre French Oak Barrels: 1st fill: 25%, 2nd fill: 28%, 3rd fill: 31%, 4th fill: 16%

Tasting Notes: Pure red berry and cherry fruit are layered with earthier, savory hints like forest floor, wild mushrooms, and subtle spice (clove and white pepper). Our low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of well under 35 hl/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of our Pinot noir. Our Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and "sweet" and it generally shows hints of that alluring savoury "primal" character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.

Food Pairing: An elegant, savoury wine with bright red cherry notes, fine tannins, and earthy undertones. It pairs beautifully with dishes that mirror its complexity, such as roast duck with a cherry reduction, wild mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon. 

Emul Ross and proprietor Anthony Hamilton Russell are not afraid to make Pinot noirs with structure and staying power, even in a wetter vintage like 2023. This has plenty of colour, lots of spicy Francois Freres oak, some underlying ferrous trip, savoury tannins and flavours of plum and black cherry. Substantial, but give it time. 94 Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024

There's lovely purity of red berry and cherry fruit on the nose, woven through with earthier savoury and spice hints. That savoury nuance persists on the elegant palate, alongside delicate raspberry and red cherry notes, with fine tannins and a whisper of smoke that emphasises the persistent mineral character. Still young, this will age beautifully. 94 Julie Sheppard, Decanter, March 2024

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.52% | TA 5.62g/L | pH 3.65 | RS 1.6g/L