William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir (2010)

"In theory the 2010 vintage is a good one in southern Victoria though so far, I’ve struggled to find reds to my liking. Early days of course. Today I opened William Downie’s 2010 pinot noirs from Gippsland, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. They’ve had me stumped these past few hours though I’m clear on this one. Downie’s pinots always have a clear architectural framework. There’s a firm beat of tannin and a good highlight of acidity, with the melody of fruit flavour built from there. This is a spicy, savoury, earthen wine with dusty, herbal notes bolstered by black cherry, soy and rhubarb. It’s firm and powerful. And fresh, new, polished oak adds texture and positive, cedary flavour. It’s a good drink now, though it’s a better bet for the cellar."
Campbell Mattinson