J&S Fielke Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir 2025

Full-flavoured yet exquisitely delicate, this is Pinot Noir of detail, tension and intrigue. Fielke wines rarely sit neatly within stylistic boundaries, and this is no exception. Intensely aromatic, with lavender, violets, Asian spice, earthy nuances and a compote of tangy red and hedgerow fruits. Medium-bodied, balancing angular edges and fine-boned structure with silky, sappy fruit. There’s a distinctly Volnay-like grace here, a reminder that lightness can pack a serious punch. Caressing and long, with a fine web of tannin, pure fruit and mineral freshness. Harmonious, quietly impressive and very much a sleeper of the vintage. Built for the long haul.

Henschke and King’s Hill vineyards are the sources for the fruit. It’s a mellow, soft pinot noir, but not without gravel and grunt in tannin, meaty notes, turned earth and dried herb complexity. It’s not just a story of ripe, dark cherry fruit character, though that is a mainstay. This is lip-smackingly satisfying, generous but has the flow and suppleness requisite of the term pinosity. Quiet complexity is on hand. The deliciousness is the gist, and it’s best for younger drinking. 94 Points – Halliday Wine Companion