Hurley Vineyard 2008 Climats - Pinot Noir Trio

Balnarring, Mornington, Victoria -

We first heard about Hurley Vineyard from a customer who declared this special vineyard as her favourite in Mornington. Having tasted various Hurley releases over the last couple of years, we can only agree. Kevin Bell and Tricia Byrnes make pinot with great integrity and the utmost attention to detail to celebrate the unique qualities of their site. As in 2007, in vintage 2008 Hurley produced three individual wines from the three separate vineyard blocks, 'The Climats'.

Here are Kevin Bell and Tricia Byrnes' wine notes, with our comments in blue.

• Hurley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 “Lodestone": 'Light garnet and translucent. This is a fragrant delight. It smells of red fruits, flowers, undergrowth and talc. Medium-bodied and firm in the mouth, it is softened with sweet fruit, powdery tannins and the roundness of nuts. ...clean, pure, satisfying and very long.' Exquisitely delicate, excellent texture, charry/chewy.
  
• Hurley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 “Hommage”: 'Mid garnet and bright. Aromas of plum, briar berry and violet rise to the nose, enveloped in something alluring... ripe plums, wine gums and jubes, wrapped in fine, mouth coating tannins. The sweet fruit is balanced by vibrant acidity.' Red currants, violet. Lively, juicy, tight core of pinot structure.
  
• Hurley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 “Garamond": 'Brilliant garnet. Scented and complex, this smells of forest berries, plums and spice, plus flowers and human sweat. Firm in the palate, it tastes of summer fruits, cake spice and meat, balanced by tangy acidity and judicious oak. This is layered and intense but fresh, balanced and elegant - very stylish indeed.' Spice, sweet red cherries, blue berry. Layers and layers, cocoa, roasted bones. Bright acid - keep at least 6.

One each in Hurley Vineyard 2008 Climats: Pinot Noir Trio $145 (value $170)