Hurley Vineyard ‘Lodestone’Pinot Noir 2024

From a north-facing 1.4 hectare block planted in 1999, Lodestone receives the most sun exposure of any site on the estate. Planted to Burgundian clones 114, 115 and 777 alongside MV6, the vineyard takes its name from magnetite, the iron-rich mineral abundant in its soils.

Whole berries, one hundred percent destemmed, cold soaked before natural yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters. Gravity fed to basket press, then aged in Sirugue barrels, twenty-five percent new, for approximately twenty months without racking.

“A layered and complex blend of black cherries and mulberries with undertones of earth and mushroom and overtones of violets… intense flavours of black cherries, cassis and blood plums… ultra-fine tannins… carries through to a seemingly endless finish of raspberries and dark spice. To 2040.” – Kevin Bell, Owner

“Lodestone could be called Ironstone, as there’s a distinct ferrous character to it. Of all the pinots from the ’24 vintage, this needs more time to gel and then unfurl. The usual varietal flavours, but also raspberries and their leaves and a little rooibos tea. Sweet fruit works across the barely mid-weighted palate, tannins a tad sinewy yet led by fresh acidity.” – 95 pts – Jane Faulkner – Halliday