2024 Mewstone Pinot Noir

Jonny Hughes and his brother Matt have created something really special down at Flowerpot, a tiny coastal hamlet in the deep south of Tasmania. This is the boys' flagship Pinot Noir.

Their vineyard faces right into the cold winds of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, forcing the vines to struggle in a truly marginal, maritime climate. For the 2024 Pinot, Jonny played around with varying amounts of whole bunches across different small fermenters, keeping the extraction gentle. It was tucked away in French oak for ten months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

It's a bright and crunchy style full of tart red berries and a refreshing cranberry snap. There is a proper rustic edge to it too, with a bit of game meat and dried herb complexity keeping you interested. A distinct, briny saltiness runs right through the center, leaving a long, gravelly finish that feels totally unforced.

Gorgeous modern Pinor and very limited.

95 points
"This is cut with exotic spice, pomegranate, game meats, dried blossom and earth. Graceful and detailed drinking, with a stony flick to its tail."
- Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)