2023 Apollo Pinot Noir

Crafted with 100% Lenswood fruit the 2023 Apollo displays a core of red fruit, wild forest floor aromas and subtle, woody spices. 20% whole bunch influence and 40% new oak adds subtle complexing layers producing a medium bodied wine with intensity and drive yet still displaying brightness and freshness.

Elegant, structured, and deeply expressive, the 2023 Apollo Pinot Noir is a true reflection of its site and season.

“It’s savoury and dark aromatically, but the palate has a cooling cherry pit mineral feel with great intensity. Dark cherry, earth, brown spice and subtle raspberry are promptly wrapped up in firm, sappy tannins and long, persistent dark cherry acidity. Wonderfully poised, clean and fresh through the finish. Time in the cellar will reward.” 95 points, Tom Kline, Inside Burgundy

“Lifted and perfumed on the nose, with aromas of raspberries, wild strawberries, cassia bark and earth. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated acidity and tannins, giving notes of dark cherries, dried herbs and graphite. Wonderfully constructed with an underlying power. Excellent. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” 95 points, jamessuckling.com

The Longer Story

First planted in 1989, Pinot Noir now accounts for 35% of the vineyard, covering just under 10 hectares. The vineyard features four distinct blocks: two planted in the early 2000s with Dijon 114 and 115 (southwest-facing) and two D5V12 blocks from the original 1989 plantings (east-facing). This vintage is crafted from the two 1989 blocks—one rich in ironstone, contributing to its deep tannin structure—and one of the Dijon 114/115 blocks.

The vines thrive in lean, loamy soils threaded with ironstone and quartz, adding to the wine’s structure and fragrance. A mix of whole-bunch and destemmed fruit undergoes 10-21 days on skins before maturing in a selection of barrels—barrique, puncheon, and demi-muid—40% of which are new. We favour tight-grained, low-impact oak to enhance texture and complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.