$33.99
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Region: Adelaide Hills, SA
Grape: Pinot Noir
First Glance: Wild forest berries, fresh herbs, damp earth, bright acidity
Best New Winery Of The Year - James Halliday, Wine Companion Awards 2022
Living Roots is the joining of forces between Sebastian Hardy, great-great-great grandson of national icon Thomas Hardy, and New York-born Colleen. The young couple met at Hardy’s Tintara when Colleen worked as cellar hand during vintage in 2014, and in 2016 they started their own vinous joint venture. Uniquely, the two make wines both from South Australia and from the Finger Lakes district in New York state, with small winery operations and tasting rooms set up in Adelaide Hills and Rochester NY, respectively. The overall style is free-spirited and innovative, but always incredibly well-made, and the range constantly evolves with rolling vintages and fruit sources.
Pinot Noir destemmed and fermented wild with a high percentage of whole berries, resulting in aromatic cherry and orange characters balanced with earthiness, fresh acidity and spice. The grapes were sourced from Seb’s uncle Bill’s vineyard, as well as from his father Geoff’s K1 vineyard. A blend of four clones, all kept separate prior to blending: early picked Mariafeld for higher acidity and fresh strawberry characters, 115 for bright cherry notes, MV6 for riper fruit and a bit of meatiness, and Pommard for a dark spectrum and savoury aspects.
The Best Cellars View:
This is a lovely and lively Adelaide Hills Pinot with freshness aplenty. It is both sappy and juicy in its red and black fruit, with nuances of damp earth and a tinge of dried herbs. Every thing one might want from a cool climate Pinot Noir, package complete with juicy acidity and succulent finish.
