Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Coldstream Hills prides itself on having access to many of the best vineyards in the Yarra Valley. Back in the late 1980s, James Halliday introduced single vineyard wines to Coldstream Hills demonstrating their unique styles. The tradition has continued with the release of the Deer Farm Single Vineyard range.

"Beautiful. Just beautiful. Comes from a vineyard in the Upper Yarra which contributes to this particular style and character. Strikes out with a compelling combo of strawberry and spicy raspberry aromas. The palate really sets this apart with its spicy minerality and lift of bright red fruits. It is so well poised and structured with those elegant flavours extending with remarkable easy to a very long finish."  Ray Jordan

At higher altitude and planted in 1994 on grey clay-loam soil, the 29ha Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard in Gladysdale (Upper Yarra Valley) produces ethereal and perfumed Pinot Noir wines with sour cherry, hints of blue fruits and chalky tannins. The 2021 Deer Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir was sourced from the north-facing Blocks D, E Top & C which are planted to the MV6 clone.

"Over many years of tasting the wines of the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills I have seen many wonderful wines. A few are still deeply etched in my memory to the point I can remember exactly where I was when I tasted them. But having just tasted the recently released range of reserve and single vineyard wines from the outstanding 21 vintage, I have no hesitation in saying this is the best group of wines I have seen from this great producer. As a final comment, these wines are amazing value for money for such quality."  Ray Jordan

"Ten months in French oak – 47% new with the remainder in seasoned French oak barriques. Medium-light crimson colour. On the nose vibrant, intense raspberry, muddled strawberry and sour cherry characters with savoury graphite notes and subtle French oak. Hints of whole bunch spice add perfume and spice. The palate is plush and textural with a silky tannin finish. Muddled strawberries and raspberries dominate with spice, graphite mineral and seamless French oak adding complexity. Beautifully framed and balanced, this wine offers the essence of Upper Yarra Pinot Noir. An outstanding vintage.

A near perfect season for cool climate varieties in the Yarra. Good winter and spring rainfall replenished the soil profile allowing a good start to the growing season. Spring was generally mild with no frost, flowering occurred during warm, stable conditions which was ideal. The ripening season was generally mild and punctuated with well-timed rainfall. A very even harvest period with gradual ripening and flavour development, vibrant natural acidity, and excellent quality fruit."  Coldstream Hills

"Deer Farm has regularly produced the best single vineyard wines each year and is the jewel in the Coldstream crown." - James Halliday

Expert reviews

"Very bright, fresh purple-red colour; the bouquet is very aromatic and lifted, scented with red fruits and five-spice, a trace of star anise evident, and the palate a sumptuous riot of ripe dark cherry and brandied cherry, fruit-sweet and succulent. A gorgeous pinot, already showing layers of flavour and rolling through with tremendous persistence. A stunning pinot. Drink: 2023–2036."  Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 97 points

"From blocks C, D and E on the 1994-planted, 220-280m elevation Deer Farm vineyard in Gladysdale. Some whole bunches, eight to 10 days on skins, maturation in 40% new French oak. A deep-ish bright crimson. Smells a little Gevrey-like, with its dark fruit aromas and ferrous notes together with florals and a subtle hint of licorice root. On the palate, it's perfectly proportioned, concentrated and lithe, too. Sinewy and fine tannins round out a delicious wine that will continue to blossom for at least a decade. Drink to 2032."  Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

"This is made from a range of blocks, all on the Deer Farm vineyard in the Yarra Valley. This is well powered but it's the minerally edge to the finish that really excites. The Coldstream Hills range is in such fantastic shape. Cherry-plum flavours here with stringy herb notes, floral and green, matched to woodsmoke, undergrowth and toasted cedar. Immaculate pinot noir. Seals the deal with a fine-grained, mineral-etched, lengthy finish. Drink: 2025 - 2034+."  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 95 points

"Beautiful. Just beautiful. Comes from a vineyard in the Upper Yarra which contributes to this particular style and character. Strikes out with a compelling combo of strawberry and spicy raspberry aromas. The palate really sets this apart with its spicy minerality and lift of bright red fruits. It is so well poised and structured with those elegant flavours extending with remarkable easy to a very long finish. Cellar 10 years."  Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine - 95 points

Awards

Special Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion  ★ 

About the winery

Wine writer, judge and personality James Halliday Suzanne and his wife Suzanne founded Coldstream Hills in 1985. It has since grown to become one of Australia's leading small wineries, with a reputation for producing high quality estate wines and outstanding single vineyard and reserve wines. Situated in the Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions, the steep, close-planted vineyards lining the natural Amphitheatre have become a signature of the region.

The Amphitheatre and House Block were planted in 1985. Land adjacent to Coldstream Hills was purchased in 1988, followed by the planting of G Block with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The year ended with the construction of the winery. The Upper Yarra Valley Vineyard was planted in 1993, followed by the acquisition of the Briarston Vineyard in 1994, and the Fernhill Vineyard in 1996. A new temperature-controlled barrel cellar, capable of handling up to 1500 barrels, was built in 1999. In 2013, Coldstream Hills purchased the Deer Farm Vineyard.

Winemakers Andrew Fleming and Jarratt joined Coldstream Hills in 2001 and are still there today. Andrew has more than 30 years of winemaking experience, including vintages in France at the iconic Chateau Haut Brion in Bordeaux and in the Languedoc region. Their leadership has produced a string of wine show awards over the ensuing years.