Hurley Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 ‘Lodestone’

North-facing vineyard of 1.4 hect that was planted in 1999. It’s exposition due North means it gets the most sun exposure of the three climats. It contains the Burgundian clones 114, 115 and 777, as well as MV6. Lodestone is magnetite, an iron mineral abundant in the vineyard soil hence the name.

“The fruit was harvested by hand on 16 and 17 March 2021, fermented under the action of indigenous yeasts, basket pressed after twenty-one days in vat and bottled in November 2022 after twenty months in barrel (one quarter new).

“Mid-ruby. The nose is a complex mix of flowers, fruit and the forest floor.  There are violets, raspberries and black cherries alongside crushed nuts and ferny undergrowth.  This is a full-flavoured but medium-bodied wine that tastes of intense red and black cherries which end with length and persistence.  It is tightly structured at this stage and ready to uncoil with a little time.   Fine tannins and fresh acidity frame this very balanced wine.  Alc/vol 13.2%.  Closed with Diam cork.  To 2035.  328 dozen made” – Kevin Bell – owner

“So, so perfumed this year, potpourri abound, with that common thread of Red liquorice with red and dark fruits…This red liquorice is a consistent note from this terrior, or at least for the past 3 vintages. Such a fresh/alive style of Pinot Noir, tight and precise. As with the 2020’s the Lodestone is so light in colour in comparison to the other two climats, despite Lodestone and Garamond containing MV6 plantings so it seems very much the soil and topography create this difference in colour.  Rocky spot with lot’s of ‘red iron’ – More of this terror in any other vineyard. ” – Neil – Francaboutwine

“This is structure personified. A shimmery tannin profile, slightly ferrous, so0ty, savoury, really nice and finishing the wine in a fine, silty pucker. Dark cherry, mocha, garam masala spice in the mix. Something refreshing here too. It feels very serious but drinks with a levity, a drinkability factor woven into the wine. It’s all up really good, is the message, and there’s immediate pleasure and a long future on hand.” – 95 Points – Mike Bennie – Winefront