Product Description:
The Apsley Gorge Pinot Noir 2022 showcases the exceptional character of this small, yet distinguished vineyard located in the unique micro-climate near Apsley Gorge National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. The cooler, wetter vintage of 2022 produced a Pinot Noir with a typically dark, translucent hue, offering a glimpse into its rich and complex nature. The nose reveals the signature Apsley Pinot fruit, alongside a distinctive and intriguing note of charcuterie, earthiness, and subtle layers of complexity that push through, creating a multi-dimensional aromatic experience.
On the palate, this wine delivers on the promise of its nose. A powerful entry fills the mouth with rich, ripe fruit, balanced by complex, textural tannins and the enigmatic mystery that only Pinot Noir can provide. The wine's depth is enhanced by the exceptional winemaking practices of Brian Franklin, whose nearly 40 years of experience in both Burgundy and Tasmania shines through. With a harmonious balance of finesse, texture, and natural acidity, this Pinot Noir offers a captivating drinking experience that is exceptional both in its youth and as it continues to evolve over the years.
Maker:
Brian Franklin, the owner and winemaker of Apsley Gorge, brings a wealth of experience to the craft of winemaking. After initially training under Philippe Charlopin, one of Burgundy’s most respected winemakers, Brian’s winemaking journey led him to the Apsley Valley. His expertise in the French tradition of winemaking, combined with his nearly 40 years of experience in both France and Australia, has shaped the wines of Apsley Gorge into one of Tasmania’s finest examples of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brian’s hands-on approach, from viticulture to fermentation, ensures that every bottle expresses the unique character of the land.
Apsley Gorge is a testament to Brian’s commitment to producing exceptional wines with great purity and structure. The vineyard’s location, near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge National Park, enjoys cooling afternoon breezes, which moderate the climate and promote long, slow ripening. With a focus on natural winemaking techniques and minimal intervention, Brian produces wines that are as individual as the site they come from, with each vintage representing a new opportunity to showcase the potential of the land.
Philosophy:
At Apsley Gorge, the philosophy revolves around the careful, natural expression of the vineyard’s terroir. Brian Franklin’s approach to winemaking is rooted in the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, where healthy soils, low yields, and careful vineyard management are key to achieving the highest quality fruit. The vineyard is farmed without irrigation, and every vine is hand-pruned and hand-picked to ensure that only the best grapes make it into the wine.
Winemaking at Apsley Gorge is focused on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and oak usage is kept to a minimum to allow the fruit to take centre stage. The result is a collection of wines that are rich, complex, and balanced, with a clear reflection of the region’s unique growing conditions. The philosophy of Apsley Gorge is to produce wines that are expressive, structured, and built to age, showcasing the exceptional potential of Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Charcuterie, Earthy, Complex Pinot
The nose reveals the rich fruit signature of Apsley Gorge Pinot Noir, with layers of charcuterie and earthiness that add complexity and intrigue.
Palate
Rich Fruit, Textured Tannins, Complex Mystery
The wine offers a powerful entry, filling the mouth with ripe, luscious fruit, while the complex tannins provide structure and finesse.
Finish
Lingering, Balanced, Elegant
The finish is long and elegant, with a lasting mouth-coating effect that lingers pleasantly on the palate and is balanced by the wine's natural acidity.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%