The 2011 vintage was not a great one in the Yarra Valley, with persistent rain and disease pressures a theme.  The pinot noirs I have reviewed from 2011 from the region have been consistently lighter and paler in colour than is the norm.  The better estates have made some worthwhile wines with good flavour, and I count Toolangi’s effort in 2011 among them.  Hand picked and seeing 11 months in French oak, the wine has a bright ruby colour in the glass and shows the towards pale intensity of its vintage.  Its aromatics are clean, with a medium intensity expression of cherry, sap and wood spice, typical of the current Yarra Valley style of pinot noir.  The palate is dry, with medium acid and intensity, soft and light tannins and flavours of cherry and wood spice coming through, with light to medium length.  This wine is acceptable to good in terms of its quality due to its balance and towards medium length, although it lacks the complexity and depth of the stronger years and is ready to drink now.  Acceptable to Good

Abv: 13.2%
Price: $26
Source: sample
Vendors: Check http://www.wine-searcher.com/
Website: http://www.toolangi.com
Tasted: 2013
Subscribe: Subscribe to benefit from regular, considered and independent wine reviews from Grape Observer. Please enter your email address in the subscription icon on the right of screen to receive updates by email.