x
  • Country ranking ?

    202
  • Producer ranking ?

    135
  • Decanting time

    2h
  • When to drink

    2020-2035
  • Food Pairing

    Lamb

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Vintage 2021

2021 Barossa Valley Vintage Report

Following two particularly dry seasons, many were hoping for Mother Nature to be much kinder, and mostly she was. Winter rainfall in 2020 recorded 148mm, the same as winter 2019, (22% below average). The majority of this rainfall was in the latter half of August, with the rain continuing into September and October. This was ideal timing to replenish soil profiles to field capacity moving into budburst in October. However, dry conditions ensued throughout November and into summer with the growing season rainfall from October to March measuring 129mm, 42% below average. The calendar year of 2020 recorded 455.8mm, 160mm higher than 2019.

Some frost damage occurred on 27 September, when temperatures plunged to -0.3°C. However, many varieties were only just emerging and widespread damage thankfully was avoided.

November recorded 4 days above 35°C, pushing the monthly maximum temperature to 28°C - 4°C warmer than previous years. However, conditions throughout summer were relatively mild with December recording its lowest maximum temperature since 2014, and all months recording monthly maximums below average. Cool, dewy mornings and maximum temperatures below 30°C for the majority of January provided optimal ripening conditions.

Conditions were quite favourable during flowering, allowing bunches to set and good fruit development. Veraison started in late January-early February and the cooler conditions and some rain in early February helped to plump up berries and provide some relief to soil moisture profiles. Minimum temperatures for February were 1.4°C below average and maximums were 1.2°C below average.

Whilst yield varied between vineyards, it was welcome relief to achieve close to average crops in comparison to the last two seasons.

There was much anticipation that labour resources required for hand picking would not be available this vintage due to border closures, but with the cooler weather slowing ripening, vintage was less compressed than previous years and it was much easier to source labour than first thought. Harvest continued well into April as the dry Indian summer continued to ripen the grapes.

Quality is exceptional across the varieties and styles from 2021. Reds have intense, rich and balanced flavours and colours; whites have lovely aromatics, finesse and great natural acidity.

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Latest Pro-tasting notes

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Written Notes

in 23 Pinot Noir 2021 (A$50) – Named after ‘Cellar 23’, where it matures, which is part of Magill Estate, the fruit for this vintage comes from Tasmania, the White Hills Vineyard near Launceston (a significant contributor to Yattarna), the first Bin 23 to be 100% Tassie (it is usually multi-regional). It spends 8 months in French oak, 40% of which is new. The notes from Penfolds kick off by declaring that there is no denying the varietal. And that is absolutely spot on. The old joke about mistaking Burgundy and Bordeaux before lunch. Not happening here. Crimson in colour with spices, red cherries and raspberries, but it is the lovely sappy, briary note that is dominant at the moment. Has a sort of strawberry oil character (is there even such a thing? Perhaps essence would be better). Sweet core of fruit with an edge on the finish which keeps everything focused and poised. Very silky tannins. A very attractive Pinot, no shrinking violet, with a good three to six years ahead. 92.

  • 92p

Medium deep crimson. Lovely pure strawberry, red cherry aromas with vanilla, herb notes. Buoyant, generous and supple with dense strawberry, red cherry, hint sappy fruits, fine chalky textures, very good mid-palate density/ viscosity and underlying roasted walnut, hint vanilla notes. Finishes chalky with ample red fruits. The quality of the Tasmanian fruit shines through. Very good amplitude and freshness. A brilliant new direction for Bin 23. Best to drink early to enjoy the primary fruit expression, but it has the density and balance to keep for a while. Eight months in French oak barriques (40% new). Drink now – 2027 13.5% alc 94 points

  • 94p
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Information

Origin

Magill, South Australia

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