Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Cases Produced: 444

Residual Sugar: 3 g/L

Tasting Notes:

A seductive nose of violets, raspberry, and cranberry, with gentle underpinnings of vanilla. The palate showcases a robust and structured acidity, with notes of raspberry, cherry, and a slight touch of earthiness. The heat of the vintage is evident on the palate as well, noticeable on the bold round tannins on the finish, suggesting a county Pinot ideal for aging. Would pair well with lighter but slightly gamier meat such as rabbit or duck confit. Also, an excellent pairing with hamburgers!

Viticulture:

The 2020 JCR Pinot Noir was sourced from several sites in the Hillier region, all within a two-kilometer radius of the estate. A hot, dry, autumn was extremely beneficial to the vines during the days leading up to harvest, and the fruit was picked over several days in mid-September. Cuvaison lasted about 3 weeks in total.

Winemaking:

The wine was aged entirely in 265L French oak barrels for just over 19 months. About 65% of the blend comprised second-fill barrels, with the remaining 35% being first-fill. The wine was bottled in the early summer of 2022.

Critical Acclaim:

“Slightly toasty on the nose. A confident and well-defined Pinot with an abundance of red forest fruits and elegant floral notes. Elegant, salty, pure, precise and harmonious with a delicious freshness on the finish.” Score 90 Decanter Magazine

“This has such a pretty, generous nose of almost candied strawberry/cherry fruit, florals, fine tobacco, spice and woodsy/underbrush notes. It is light to mid-weight, fresh and juicy yet elegant at the same time. It is a bit dusty and gritty on the finish, with more savoury notes on the finish. The charm fades a bit. Excellent length. Tasted March 2023” Score 91, David Lawrason - WineAlign

“Just five months further and willing to stand on personal (as opposed to Rosehall) ceremony because this ripest and open earlier for business JCR pinot noir may only clock in at 13 per cent but it feels bigger and more converted than those that came before. This is ready, more than willing and adept to lay down its arms. No resistance and only submission. Last tasted March 2023.” Score 91, Michael Godel - WineAlign

“Still lots of wood noted off the top, resinous and chocolaty, but also substantial flavour intensity - there's no doubting the depth on offer. Contains some fruit from neighbouring Casa Dea's vineyard in this vintage. Last tasted March 2023 (twice), with a point added for the positive development over the last six months.” Score 91 John Szabo - WineAlign

“A highly compelling pinot noir that exhibits considerable aromatic presence. Exceptionally well-balanced, the acidity is finely tuned to the silky tannins and well-ripened red fruit. Perhaps less nervy than one would expect from the region but demonstrating widely appealing affability. Fleshy red cherry, a hint of pomegranate and red plum roll off the tongue along with notes of sage, a hint of licorice and gentle oak spice. Features memorable length of notable complexity. Tasted March 2023.” Score 91, Sara d’Amato - WineAlign