These are the two most interesting pinot noirs I have tasted from the Orange region of Australia to date, both from the 2022 vintage. Orange is a region that excels in European style expressions of cool climate varieties (in particular sauvignon blanc) that can elude other Australian wine regions, despite best efforts. In this case, Colmar Estate’s vineyard is located at 980 metres and the site is particularly partial to pinot noir. The two wines have a minerality that I do not encounter often in Australian pinot noir.
Colmar Estate’s “Block 1” from the 2022 vintage is the most complete of the two wines, offering an aroma of savoury cherries. Its palate continues the cherry characters, is minerally and finishes with long length. This wine will provide excellent drinking over the next decade. Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 93 points). Website: Colmar Estate. Source: Sample. Tasted: December 2023
The “Block 3” is quite a different expression of pinot noir. It is a fragrant, delicate wine, with an aroma of roses that is unmistakeable as pinot noir. The palate is minerally and has cherry and rose characters. The wine is only light to medium bodied, delicate in its red fruit expression and light in colour. For a point of comparison, the Block 3 reminds a little of the appealing upper Yarra Valley pinot noir styles from Gembrook Hill. Similar to the Block 1, this wine is also excellent drinking but I would drink it a little sooner. Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 90 points). Website: Colmar Estate. Source: Sample. Tasted: December 2023