Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2021

Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by Jame Halliday and has since grown to become one of Australia's leading small wineries. Situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley east of Melbourne, the steep close planted vineyards of Coldstream Hills have become a signature of the region. So too have its wines, which reflect regional character, consistency and style.

"This takes me back to the outstanding 1992 vintage with its combination of elegance and complexity, with fraises du bois, red and sour cherries, plum and spices that will grow over the years to come."  James Halliday

"Sourced from low yielding vineyards in the Lower (70%) and Upper Yarra Valley (30%), all fruit is selectively picked prior to its delivery into the winery. The Lower Yarra provides dark cherry notes and structure, the Upper Yarra complements with elegance, spice, and perfume. The wine is made using a variety of handling and fermentation techniques, including the use of whole bunches. Matured in seasoned and new (22%) French oak for nine months. 

A vibrant, ethereal, and perfumed nose with sour cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, and blue fruits dominating. Whole bunch spice, subtle French oak, hints of graphite reduction and savouriness enhance the primary fruit notes – a real peacock's tail.

Brimming with sour/dark cherry notes and raspberries, the palate is further enhanced with seamless French oak, fruit spice and savouriness. Very plush with layers of complexity and finishing with fine chalky tannins. An outstanding Pinot Noir vintage. A lot to like here!"   Coldstream Hills

Expert reviews

"A delicious sweet, supple pinot noir reflecting a great Yarra Valley vintage. Dark cherry, plum and red fruit flavours abound, all held beautifully in check by the wines structure and overall finesse. A long, balanced finish and aftertaste complete the picture. Very impressive indeed. Drink: 2023-2040."  Nick Munday, Canterbury Wines - 95 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

"Some wholes bunch, 8-10 days on skins and matured in 22% new French oak. A light ruby red. Lifted with aromas of new season cherries, wood spice and a touch of whole-bunch derived box hedge. Light- to medium-bodied, there's good crunch and this energetic wine finishes with bright acidity. A terrific food wine. Drink by 2028."  Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion – 93 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

"Sourced from 70% Lower Yarra, 30% Upper Yarra, vinified using multiple handling techniques including whole bunch. This takes me back to the outstanding 1992 vintage with its combination of elegance and complexity, with fraises du bois, red and sour cherries, plum and spices that will grow over the years to come. 13.5% alc, screwcap Drink to 2041."  James Halliday, The Weekend Australian

"Good depth of bright red, tinged with purple; the bouquet is sweet cherry and smoky charcuterie, the palate light-medium bodied and softly textured, with gentle but measured tannins and lovely balance. It drinks very well now but there is good structure and it has the potential to take some age well. Drink:2023-203."  Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 92 points

"If you popped this in a cool, dark place and forgot about it for 5-8 years it would emerge as a lovely drink, I suspect. It's sappy-spicy with black cherry fruit flavours as the conduit, and while it may lack absolute highlights it has good complexity and enough length to satisfy. It's a good release and a good wine, with potential to improve. Indeed I should probably rate it higher. Drink: 2023 - 2030+."  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 91+ points

Awards

Special Value Wine – Canterbury Wines  ★
Gold Medal - 2022 Yarra Valley Wine Show

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.