The McCutcheon pinot noir is one of three single vineyard offerings from Ten Minutes by Tractor in the Mornington Peninsula. And, as is usual with this producer, we know exactly where the wine comes from – in this case, the (unofficial) Main Ridge subregion, planted at an altitude of around 200 metres on an easterly slope eagerly trapping the morning sun. The 2012 vintage is a blend of 57% from the MV6 pinot noir clone and the balance from the G5V15. Grapes were picked in the first week of April, completely destemmed and saw 16 months in French oak, 25% of it new.
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| The McCutcheon vineyard. Source: www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au |
In the glass, the wine is pleasingly serious in intent. A light intensity ruby colour in the glass, it has very expressive and expansive aromatics of game meats, bacon fat, incense and warm tea trees that can be nothing other than pinot noir, the latter providing a regional touch. On the palate, the wine is harmony, with its acid frame just right and the finish towards long. As can be expected from this cooler site, the overall impression is elegant and restrained.
Rating: Very Good, Abv: 13.5%, Price: $75, Source: sample, Vendors: http://www.wine-searcher.com/, Website: http://www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au, Tasted: 2015
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