Dexter Black Pinot Noir

Black Label always puts me in mind of Penthouse, Johnny Walker, and these days, Tod Dexter. It’s a heady trio, for sure, and I’m thinking of ways I could combine the three to best effect.

There are 1266 bottles produced, and it’s only made in an ‘exceptional vintage’. Always the strawberries and spice, a little exotic, with a touch of earth, dried roses and fresh mint.

It’s delicate but has a sort of quiet power and authority, tannin offers a gentle swipe of pumice stone, a cool feel with sap, creamy fruit, and warming spices. The shape and quality of tannin on the finish stamps it as a wine of class, with clear voice of vineyard, and subtle hand of winemaker at play. It’s really very good.

The details

• Producer: Dexter
• Region: Australia
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• ABV: 13.5%
• Standard drinks: 8.0