Gilbert Pinot Noir 2018
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Red Cherry. Gamey. Forest Floor. Complex.
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Wine Enthusiast
From red basalt volcanic soils at high elevation in New South Wales, this rose petal-tinted Pinot offers a perfumed nose of violets, cherries and minerals with a sappy, black olive underbelly. A rush of juicy fruit washes over the tongue, followed by tingly acidity and savory, spicy tannins, the interplay between the three like a well-timed trio. There's a touch of wood at the finish but overall this is a lovely, balanced cool-climate drop.
Gilbert Family Wines began its journey in 2004 by fifth generation winemaker Simon Gilbert. Simon has always had a strong desire to do things his own way and create a label true to himself, at the same time paying tribute to his heritage. As his friends, mentors and previous employees have gone on to international acclaim, Dad has quietly continued doing what he loves, away from the limelight… crafting great wine for you all to enjoy! Wine of purity, elegance and vibrancy. Wine that is varietally true to itself, clean and technically sound.
It’s a real honour to be working side by side with him, someone of his calibre who is revered by so many of his contemporaries. Dad has had a significant impact on the career of countless young winemakers across the countryside and I feel incredibly fortunate to be one of those. He gets real enjoyment in shaping and contributing to the careers of the new generation in the wine industry, something that is a true testament to his character. Dad is always willing to share his wisdom and expertise with whoever is asking and I know I am the lucky one that’s able to pick his brains everyday!
His passion for the industry is clear and unwavering. 40+ years on from when he first hosed out a press and dug out his first fermenter he continues to strive for excellence in his wines, regardless of what it takes.
He is a real perfectionist and someone who loves what vintage brings out in himself and also those people under his guidance. If I end up being half the winemaker Simon is, I’ll be happy. — WILL GILBERT
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Occupying hillsides of the extinct volcano, Mount Canobolas, the Australian region of Orange has volcanic, clay soils with patches of terra rossa and an ideal environment for the production of lively Chardonnay, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, and elegant reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. At elevations of between 2,000 and 3,300 feet, this is a decidedly cool climate region. It is also nonetheless a major gourmet hotspot, sought out for its restaurants, food festivals and regional specialties like wild berries, local truffles and cheeses.