University Wine Society

Reviewed 7 July 2011

The University Wine Society meets once per month to conduct themed wine tastings. For many years now, it has been expertly run by Andrew Baird. Andrew has a fine palate and a life-long passion for wine. So when I heard that Andrew was presenting a tasting of Victorian and Tasmanian pinot noirs, I was keen to attend.

The highlights of the tasting were the wines from Paringa Estate and the Paradigm Hill. The Peninsula pinot noir from Paringa in particular represents fine value. As is my policy, only the best wines are reviewed on this page.

Reviewed

Paradigm Hill – Pinot Noir – L’ami Sage – 2008 (18.2). Quite dumb and closed in comparison to the rest of the bracket. Lean and angular, this is just a baby. Firm, muscular and tannic, everything is in place for this wine, it just needs 5 years to start to open up. With air, this wine develops lovely perfume and bright cherry fruit. The tannins are fine and very silky and the finish is relatively seamless.

Paringa Estate – Pinot Noir – Estate – 2007 (18+). Limpid. This has a focus to the nose that is arresting. Hints of cherry, Satsuma plum, tobacco and spice. The palate follows suit with a linear and precise delivery. Everything is in place, it just needs time to blossom.

Paringa Estate – Pinot Noir – Peninsula – 2008. (17.9). More complexity and density of fruit compared to the Praxis (Moorilla). Lovely cherry fruit on the nose. This has high quality fruit that is silky and supple. This has been really well made. The oak is deftly handled and the sappy notes on the finish add interest and intensity. A lovely feminine wine with excellent length.

Moorilla – Pinot Noir – Muse – 2007 (17.7+). Dense and quite meaty, with a lovely palate. Yes the fruit is ripe, but there is lovely fruit weight. The finish is slightly chewy, yet the tannins are very refined and polished. Mouth-feel and texture are spot on and the length is a highlight. This will benefit from a few years in the cellar and will score higher marks in the future.

Louis Latour – Pinot Noir – Gevery Chambertain – 2006 (16.9). Structured and firm. A firm and tannic wine that has some resemblance to claret, with a hint of mint, eucalypt and spice. A leaner wine that should evolve over the next few years.

Moorilla – Pinot Noir – Praxis – 2008 (16.8). A touch stalky, but good cherry fruit, strawberry and subtle spice too. Fresh and vibrant fruit on the palate, with lovely souring acidity. Not overly concentrated but enjoyable. The fleshy fruit makes up for the lack of concentration.