Punch Lance’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Written By Campbell Mattinson
review of Punch Lance’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Punch Lance’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
$45, 12.5% alcohol, screwcap, Yarra Valley

This beautiful Pinot Noir from Punch in the Yarra Valley was grown on vines that were planted in 1976, 1998 and 2003. The fact that there were three plantings might make it sound as though there are a lot of vines in play here, but the truth is that this vineyard is still only two hectares in total. We’re talking boutique wine farming here. This 2023 release is a wine typical of the estate, in that it has a run of sap, forest berry and violet characters sitting in the centre of the palate, right there amid the mainstay of fresh, blue-red berry, gently jellied fruit. This wine is suggestive of undergrowth, and of twiggy herbs, in an inherent and/or unforced way. It carries fine-grained tannin, and a well-sustained finish. It’s absolutely delightful to drink now, but it will cellar. 94 points.

Campbell Mattinson

Campbell Mattinson has been an independent journalist, wine critic and photographer for forty years. He founded The Winefront, is a former chief editor of the Halliday Wine Companion (and former editor of Halliday magazine), and is the only Australian to have won the Australian Wine Communicator of the Year Award more than once. He is 100% independent, and tastes between 5,000 and 10,000 wines each year, blind and in comparative brackets as often as is practicable.

More about Campbell Mattinson

Mattinson is also the founder of the Mattinson Photography business.

https://www.campbellmattinson.com
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