Bindi is a top producer in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria, Australia. Australian pinot noir continues to develop. It remains something of an outlier in an international sense. Burgundy, New Zealand, Sonoma, Oregon and Germany more commonly set the benchmark. There are however some high quality wines available from Australia’s coldest regions. Here we are able to comfortably try two top quality pinot noir wines at 20 years’ of age from the Macedon Ranges, which benefit from altitude. Both wines are from the 2004 vintage and while ready and fully developed, are not yet tired. They are around premier cru quality, in the Burgundian scale.
The first wine is Bindi’s “Original Vineyard” pinot noir from the 2004 vintage. It has aromas of red fruits, stones and a touch of volatile acidity. The palate is red fruited, medium to full bodied and is a pretty and fully mature expression of pinot noir. It is defined by its red rose like floral notes. This wine is ready to drink now, and carries the characteristic stone character of Macedon pinot noir. Review Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 90 points).
The second wine is Bindi’s “Block 5” pinot noir, which is the pinnacle label from Bindi’s range. It provides an interesting contrast to the 2004 “Original Vineyard” pinot noir. It is in my view the lesser of the two wines, though its obvious characters will appeal. Its aroma is a more herbal and raisined expression of pinot noir, the latter reflecting I expect tertiary development combined with a selection of riper grapes. The palate is full bodied and has a green streak that runs through its core, with notes of eucalyptus at the edges. This provides complexity, and local character. The length on the finish is mid range. Overall, this is an interesting pinot noir that is fully developed. Review Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 90 points). Website: Bindi Wines. Tasted: June 2024.
