Clemens Hill 2009 Pinot Noir

Coal Valley, Tasmania

The pinot elements come together in fine harmony at Clemens Hill vineyard in Tasmania’s Coal Valley. Whether it be ‘standard’ release or Reserve, the pinots look pure and intense, without harshness or over-concentration.

Clemens Hill 2009 Pinot Noir characteristically has a lush perfume of dark cherry, star anise and sweet almond overlaid with more savoury licorice and sage. It is jubey in the mouth in that delicious black-currant fruit pastille mode but has a tight, firm finish, as a good, young wine should. Acid and soft tannins are in perfect harmony. Life expectancy up to 8 years.

Clemens Hill Pinot Noir has a very fine pinot pedigree -

• 2004 Reserve – voted in the Top Six at Pinot Shop’s 2008 Tasmanian Pinot Showcase
• 2005 Reserve – Trophy Best Pinot Noir 2007 Hobart International Wine Show
• 2006 ‘standard’ – Triple Trophy winner 2009 Tasmanian Wine Show
• 2007 ‘standard’ – Two gold medals
• 2008 ‘standard’ – Gold medal – 2010 Tas Wine Show
• 2009 'standard' - top 6 Pinot Shop's Trans Tasman Pinot 7s, AGT WINE 25 Best-rated Tassie Pinots: '2009 Clemens Hill started quite closed and clearly with concentrated fruit, but waiting for this to be revealed. Both Hooke and I found a mixture of ripe and garden herb overtones. "A foresty touch to the cherry fruit," he said, "with spice and angelica. Fragrant and brightly fruited, with fruit sweetness and soft tannins. Delicious!" I thought the wine finished rather firmer, but still enjoyed the suppleness and depth of flavour. The wine should open up well with another year or two in bottle.' Nick Bulleid AGT WINE Oct/Nov 2011