Second vintage of my wine, Drake 'Samson' Pinot Noir - 2012

Have you tried many 2012 releases from Victoria?  The hype about this vintage is high and in 2012 we continued the collaboration between myself, the Yarra Valley's Mac Forbes and Nicholas Crampton, to produce our next vintage of Drake 'Samson' Pinot Noir.  Hats off to Mac Forbes, who's knowledge of the Yarra and his ability to extract and showcase the best qualities from each vineyard is an amazing talent.

After the challenging 2011 vintage, the 2012 vintage started with early worrying signs but blossomed into a classic vintage with conditions ideal and fruit all in balance. Again we decided to blend a wine from a couple of single vineyards, this time from two complimentary sites (50% each) of unique character. The Coldstream site has soil with a thin layer of grey loam over clay and 14 year old MV6 clone material whilst Seville has lean, grey clay and mudstone from MV6 vines planted in 1982. The MV6 clone generally produces small berries with thick skins which gives solid structure to the wine. The fruit from Seville brings freshness, acidity and purity of delicate red fruit characters whilst the warmer Coldstream site offers more structure and opulence to the blend for 2012.

Vintage 2012 - Mac Forbes Winery

All the good (and fun!) bits were included in the wine-making process... foot stomping, about 10% whole cluster and one quarter new oak in the mix. The result is a pinot of elegance and poise, but with a bit of extra depth and intensity compared to the 2011. Most importantly it has an approachability which draws you in and its versatility with food again matches last vintage.

I think it's important to leave the tasting notes up to you… but for me the palate displays the classic Mac Forbes interplay between fruit and bright, crunchy acidity. Light bodied but full flavoured with cranberry and red currant characters. Yes, it will develop even better in the bottle in a few months’ time, but we have decided to let it loose.

Tell your friends:  Drake is all about creating a wine that is perfect anytime and versatile with food (lots of duck!) in any environment.  It turns Mac’s single vineyard philosophy on its head and it is our goal to select the best fruit possible for our blend.

Recommended food matches: Thai green curry, duck pancakes, chicken satay, quail with beetroot & fig salad. If you are into cheese then the acidity and freshness matches strong washed rind brilliantly.


To order:   (RRP is $35)  Click here to purchase a bottle! Alternatively, I can send you an order form via email: matthew.dunne@viscosity.net.au



Killara Vineyard