Massale by Kooyong Pinot Noir 2011
Tasting Notes
Vineyard
The 2011 Kooyong Massale is an estate blend of Pinot noir parcels from the Kooyong and Ballewindi vineyards. The parcels in this wine represent 16.27 hectares.
Winemaking
The fruit is 100% destemmed and fermented, without yeast inoculation, in open vats for 18 to 21 days. The malolactic conversion also is indigenous. The maturation period is 10 months in French oak (15% new).
Vintage
Much has been said about the 2010 – 2011 growing season. When the Eastern states of Australia’s decade-long drought broke in September of 2010, the rains were met with great relief. The cooler conditions delayed vine development and gave expected harvest timeframes more akin to historical averages. However the growing season weather patterns came to be shaped by a strong La Niña, which meant Spring and Summer rains were frequent and significant, increasing the time demands on our viticulture team. This season we employed a number of techniques in the vineyard not used for a number of years, including leaf plucking to improve ventilation and sunlight interception in the fruit zone. Surprisingly, fruit set was good and cropping levels quite moderate despite the lack of heat and high humidity during flowering. The ripening period was cool and extended and has produced fragrant and delicate white wines, and Pinot Noirs with attractively ripe tannins, balanced natural acidity and elegant, savoury fruit.
Tasting Note - February 2012
A deep cherry-ruby colour. An aromatic nose which speaks of pretty red and dark-red berry fruits, violetty purple floral characters and a fine savoury note of freshly crushed herbs. The palate is fresh and splendidly pure, again with a core of vibrant raspberry and red cherry fruits, with balanced acidity and appropriate ripeness from this decidedly cooler year.
Alcohol
13.0%
Drink
With prudent cellaring, this wine shows good prospects for mid-term ageing.
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Massale by Kooyong Pinot Noir 2011
Reviews
Note - these reviews are for the 2010 Massale Pinot Noir
THE AUSTRALIAN WINE ANNUAL 2012
Fresh, spicy and floral, scented with red flowers, dark cherries, redcurrants and blood plums, it’s supple and succulent, medium in weight, with a genuine spine of fine, bony tannin, its flavours of dark plums, beetroot, cherries and berries finish with a hint of meatiness and fresh acids. 90 points
JEREMY OLIVER
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 29th November, 2011
Bright, youthful, medium purple-red colour, the aromas similarly vibrant raspberry to red-cherry and quite undeveloped. Fresh and bright in the mouth with sweetly ripe fruit. Not all that detailed, but lovely primary fruit. 89/100.
HUON HOOKE
THE AGE GOOD WINE GUIDE 2012
The 2010 Massale pinot noir is a bright, upbeat style that trades on primary fruit: plenty of red fruits and darker-cherry aromas here, some gentle spiced notes and subtle oak interplay. The palate has a bed of smooth, ripe and nutty tannin, with solid cherry flavour and crunchy acid snap. All that you look for in a delicious, young and juicy pinot noir. 92 points.
NICK STOCK
JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2012
KOOYONG AND PORT PHILLIP ESTATE
COMBINED WINERIES OF THE YEAR 2012
Deep garnet, vivid hue; a pure black cherry and hoisin bouquet, revealing trace elements of minerality; the palate is youthful and juicy, with underlying tension of sappy tannin and fresh mouth-watering acidity; a wonderful drink early example of this variety. 95 Points
JAMES HALLIDAY
TASTE.COM.AU TOP 100 WINES, Herald Sun, 8 November 2011
Inviting, bright, deep crimson red colour leads you to a concentrated and vibrantly fresh dark red cherry fruit and spice aromas that carry all the way through the palate. Loads and loads of personality here and when it comes to value pinot noir, this is very hard to go past. More often than not, we don’t. Rating: 94 points
TONY LOVE AND DAN SIMS
WINEFRONT.COM.AU, 5th October 2011
Now sold with a screwcap. Spicy and a little saucy, black cherry, some dried herb and mineral/earth (maybe iron filings). Medium weight, with excellent shape, dry controlling tannin and lively acidity – you’d not quite call it aggressive in its delivery, though it’s a nervy sort of fella with the bit firmly in its teeth. Dry finish with a little herbal bitterness on exit. Very good. Serious wine. Drink: 2012 – 2017+ Rating: 93 points
GARY WALSH
THE CANBERRA TIMES, 21st September 2011
Chris Shanahan
Massale offers a significant step up in pinot quality without a massive price increase. The colour’s perhaps a half a tone deeper than the Toi Toi pinot, with a vibrant crimson hue at the rim. The aroma suggests ripe black cherry with savoury and earthy notes. The vibrant, juicy palate reflects these flavours in a savoury way that only pinot achieves. Fine fruit and oak tannins permeate the fruit providing structure and convincing red-wine finish.
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2010 (PDF)
2009 (PDF)
2008 (PDF)