The 2024 Isle Pinot Noir is the first single-vineyard wine that was released off this vineyard, and 2014 was the first release. The fruit is chosen specifically for this wine, no blending in the winery. It's "just the best bits of the vineyard," says winemaker Jim Chatto. "Each year, it happens to be the 777, 667 and Abel clones and some of the 115 clone if it's ripe in time." The fruit is pressed directly to barrel, and they remain in place without racking until bottling. While the other vintages of this wine have been quite reductive, the volume of fruit here dictates that the reduction is a complexing character that is woven through the finish. There's graphite, cold tea, star anise, black fruit and licorice. I love it. It's a sensational wine. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink: 2026-2036
Perfumed, precise aromas of blackberries, violets, orange zest, fresh herbs, summer flowers, autumn leaves and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, silky tannins and profound texture, showing dark cherries, wild raspberries, blood plums, subtle cedar spices and earth. Harmonious and focused with real depth and elegance. Excellent. Drinkable now but best from 2028. Screw cap.
