2024 PINOT NOIR

REVIEWS

Halliday

The first release of the Sisu Pinot Nior from the nascent Coal River Valley producer is an impressive one. It's bright and energetic, with a swell of ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruits undercut with hints of spice, crushed rock, crushed herbs, pomegranate and an underlying regional coal dust/earthiness that presents in many wines from this end of the valley. Fine-boned acidity provides cadence and verve and there is plenty of energy and pinosity on display. Gentle, chalky tannins provide ample support.

- Dave Brookes

Winepilot

The inaugural release of estate-bottled Pinot Noir has some deeply pigmented ruby and crimson hues. Give it a swift decant, and let the Kordia cherries wash over you. From there, layers unfold: black plum skin, nigella seed and purple basil leaf. The wealth of black fruit is anchored up by the savoury oak spice, lead pencil and clove, whilst its medium-bodied, oak shifts and retreats gracefully on the palate. This has its savoury edges, but the core of and soul is pure cherry and pit. Acidity carries a fine weave of powdery tannins, while woodsy, almost twiggy herbs add a lingering, earthy dimension that leaves you wanting more. Once again, this doesn’t appear as youthful as it really is; there has been wrapping of fruit entwined with smart oak and bunch choices and more than enough clarity of fruit befitting its place. I could sip and ponder on this for quite some time, by a fire with duck salami and a medley of olives. Drink now or will cellar well for 3-4 years further.

- Shanteh Wale