Punch Lance's Vineyard Close Planted Pinot Noir 2023

This wine challenges preconceptions about Australian Pinot Noir's ageing potential with its exceptional structure and complexity. The close-planted vines from Lance's Vineyard produce concentrated fruit that, combined with 13 months in 50% new French oak, creates a dense, textural wine built for the long haul. While many assume Australian Pinots are best consumed young, this 2023 is described as 'just hitting its stride' with years of development ahead.

Close planting forces vines to compete for nutrients and water, naturally reducing yields and concentrating flavours in the remaining grapes. This viticultural technique, borrowed from traditional European practices, results in smaller berries with higher skin-to-juice ratios, contributing to the wine's robust texture and complexity. The stress on the vines also enhances the development of secondary compounds that add depth and structure to the final wine.

The exceptional ratings, including 97 points from Halliday Wine Companion and 95 points from both Campbell Mattinson and Wine Pilot, reflect the wine's perfect balance of power and elegance. Critics recognise the seamless integration of new French oak with the concentrated dark fruit, creating complexity without overwhelming the varietal character. The Halliday Special Value Award particularly highlights how this wine delivers premium quality at an accessible price point.

The wine's medium body and savoury, textural profile make it incredibly food-friendly, particularly with dishes that can match its intensity without overwhelming its elegance. Think duck confit, mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses where the wine's cherry and spice notes can complement earthy flavours. The violet aromatics and robust structure also pair beautifully with herb-crusted lamb or game birds, while the oak integration allows it to handle richer preparations than lighter Pinot styles.

Given its described 'looooong journey ahead', this wine benefits from proper cellaring in a cool, dark environment at 12-15°C with consistent humidity. The robust structure and quality oak integration suggest it will continue developing for 8-12 years, with the initially shy dark fruit continuing to evolve and gain complexity. Store bottles on their side to keep corks moist, and consider decanting for an hour before serving to allow the concentrated flavours to fully express themselves.