Pinot Noir 2020 - Black Market Deal #67118

Gippsland's cool climate and unique terroir produce Pinot Noirs with distinctive earthy complexity and bright acidity. The region's forest floor characteristics and wild berry profiles, evident in this wine's wet earth and cranberry notes, reflect the area's pristine natural environment. This creates wines that are more ethereal and perfumed compared to the richer styles from warmer regions like the Yarra Valley.

The savoury elements like green olive, button mushroom, and salty finish come from Xavier Goodridge's winemaking approach and the cool Gippsland terroir. These umami characteristics are hallmarks of well-made cool-climate Pinot Noir, where the grape's natural earthiness is preserved rather than masked by excessive oak or extraction. This style makes the wine incredibly food-friendly and appetite-stimulating.

The wine's bright acidity and savoury complexity make it perfect for duck, salmon, or mushroom-based dishes that echo its earthy notes. The cranberry and wild berry flavours complement game birds beautifully, while the salty finish and green olive character work wonderfully with charcuterie or aged cheeses. Its light body won't overpower delicate preparations like herb-crusted fish or roasted vegetables.

Serve slightly chilled at 14-16°C to enhance the wine's lifted aromatics and bright acidity. The complex nose of forest berries and rose petals benefits from a larger Burgundy-style glass that concentrates the perfumed qualities. Decanting isn't necessary, but opening 30 minutes before serving allows the ethereal complexity to fully develop and showcase the wine's elegant character.

The 2020 vintage in Gippsland was exceptional for Pinot Noir, producing wines with intense flavour concentration while maintaining elegant structure. This vintage's cooler conditions allowed for extended ripening, developing the complex aromatics and bright acidity evident in this bottle. At four years of age, the wine is hitting its stride, with primary fruit flavours beautifully integrated with the earthy, savoury complexity that defines great cool-climate Pinot.