The Democratic Dozen

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Pinot Showcase tasters and producers choose their favourite wines

Two each of the top six favourite pinots from Pinot Shop’s recent Tasmanian Pinot Showcase make up this year’s Democratic Dozen. These are among the loveliest pinots on the island as agreed by 180 voters. If ever you could be confident about spending your hard earned dollar on top tier Tassies, that time is now.

The Democratic Dozen $590 (value $656)

• 2 x 2007 Apsley Gorge Pinot Noir(East Coast)- Brian Franklin turns heads and not just with his wonderful pinots. His passion and knowledge impress all, and make the experience of tasting his wonderful wines the more special. Last year the 2006 was top of the pinot pops at our Showcase so it simply confirms Apsley’s status as one of Australia’s best pinots. Franklin’s East Coast vineyard produces ever-evolving pinots showing blood plum, sweet cherry, marzipan and violet, and other aromas and tastes in which to lose yourself, in the nicest possible way…
• 2 x 2005 Pirie Sigma Pinot Noir (Tamar)- Again this wine was a big hit last year but wow, it had built into an even more impressive pinot in twelve months. There’s now real flesh on what was a taut framework twelve months ago. Fabulously textured and complex with year more left.
• 2 x 2006 d’Meure Pinot Noir (D’Entrecasteaux)- it was no surprise to see Dirk Meure’s thick, rich, smooth and lingering pinot raise the eyebrows of fussy pinot tasters. He and his Birch’s Bay site produce magnificent wines. Wild ferment gives extra luscious mouthfeel. This is a big pinot but each time it has an outing, particularly in a decanter, it looks more and more balanced.
• 2 x 2006 Bream Creek Reserve Pinot Noir (East Coast)- Only just released after its big Gold Medal outing at Royal Hobart Show last November. I opened a tasting bottle on Monday to have another quieter, more contemplative look and shared it with customers that hadn’t made it on Saturday. We all agree that this is Australian pinot of the highest order – it is ripe and full and the flavours go on and on. It is very smooth. We will have sold all our allocation by the end of next week.
• 2 x 2007 Spring Vale Pinot Noir (East Coast)- More than lived up to my expectations of another crackerjack East Coast 2007 pinot. This Spring Vale is a nice cross between the full-bodied earthiness of 2005 vintage and the finer elegance of 2006. There’s beautiful perfume with lots of briar fruits and a seamless palate with ultra fine tannins.
• 2 x 2007 Kelvedon Pinot Noir (East Coast)- The third (or fourth if you count Bream Creek at Marion Bay) East Coast pinot in the top 6. Does that say something? Hmm. It certainly says that Kelvedon’s star is definitely in the ascendant. This latest release is but one of a vintage line up of much-loved pinots. The exuberant perfume entices and then the juiciness of the fruit is the final seduction. Julian Cotton’s Kelvedon Estate was recently awarded Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year.

The Democratic Dozen $590

Pinot Shop specials

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Martinborough’s finest at great savings

Mature vines, uncompromising viticulture and winemaking and the characteristic syrupy sweetness crossed with savoury texture of the Martinborough region – Voss Estate Pinot Noir boasts it all. This lovely wine from a fine vintage has never been better priced – NOW ONLY $46 (RRP $57), while stocks last.

2007 Voss Estate Pinot Noir $46

Not to be outdone, Te Kairanga‘s standard Pinot offers some of the best value pinot drinking in the world. We’ve secured a parcel of the delicious 2006 vintage at a special price of $8 off standard retail.

2006 Te Kairanga Pinot Noir $25