HOWARD PARK Flint Rock Pinot Noir 2021

ABOUT THE VINEYARD

Vineyards
The Flint Rock Pinot Noir is an annual selection from individual vineyard blocks of our Mount Barker vineyards. These vineyards are located on south and north facing ridge-tops respectively, with elevations of between 285 to 370m. Growing in some of the oldest and most weathered landforms in the world, the vines remain sustainable by yielding only small crops year in, year out.

Regional Range  
The name Flint Rock epitomises the fine mineral structure and savoury elegance of wines grown in the wildly remote and beautiful Great Southern region of Western Australia. Our regional selection draws upon the varietal heroes of the three primary subregions - Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River - to produce wines of regional typicity and character.

Our Pinot Noir is only sourced from our cool climate vineyards in the Mount Barker and Porongurup subregions for retained elegance and bright varietal Pinot Noir notes.

Tasting Notes 
Bright, translucent ruby in the glass, this juicy, red fruited Pinot Noir exhibits great elegance, poise, and balance. Freeze dried strawberry, dark cherry, raspberry, sage, charred earth, and gravel form a tantalizing nose. The palate reveals subtle powdery tannin towards the front and mid palate giving way to a silky and slippery mouthfeel. Flavours of ripe red fruits and underlying minerality fill the mouth while a balanced acidity caresses the sides of the palate creating an overall lovely shape. The end result is a delicate and lifted Pinot Noir style that is immediately appealing with attractive savoury undercurrents.

Varietal: Pinot Noir 

Vintage 
Vintage 2021 was shaped in late 2020 as a great vintage with slightly lower than average rainfall over the spring period ensuring vines had good fruit set and plenty of reserves for the growing season. Warmer than average late spring and early summer allowed for good canopy growth and balanced crops, projecting healthy yields and good quality.

Moving into the ripening season the effects of a La Niña weather pattern created strong weather events that brought higher than average rainfall events. These rains freshened up canopies and reduced the need for irrigation which was welcome, especially in the Great Southern region, and even more so for late ripening varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. For those who could pick around the rain events there were some strong wines. Overall, this was a vintage for the well prepared and brave – Howard Park was both!

Country of Origin: Australia 

Dimension: H30.5 cm x W7.6 cm 

Volume: 750ml 

Region: Great Southern

Alcohol: 13.5%