Tasting Date: 24 March 2006
The colour is classic: a deep rich garnet; the perfect colour for mature Pinot. The wine exhibits developed character on the nose, some oxidation, and forest floor: mushroom and spice. The palate is evidently oxidised, and I would suspect the cork here as the oxidation overlies healthy fruit that is still there in some volume, the wine looks very similar to the Block 5 below, other than the oxidation level. The secondary characters are mainly mushroom, and earthy undertones. The finish is drying, but not excessively. Probably an example at the most developed end of the cork variation that will inevitably affect bottles. Drink: fully mature, with no prospect of further glory, but still enjoyable.