The Pinot Noir Challenge: Or Should I Say Extravaganza?
The Pinot Noir Challenge, or "Extravaganza" as it became known, came about after someone from Mornington pointed out a name clash and suggested I change it. While I didn’t see an issue with the original name, I decided it was simpler to rebrand publicly while keeping the challenge spirit alive deep down.
This event followed the success of my Chardonnay series, but this time I focused more on the East Coast, where Pinot Noir is in higher demand. I hosted two big events in Melbourne and one in Sydney, showcasing what I believe to be 12 of Australia’s finest Pinot Noirs. Staying true to my mission of celebrating the diversity of our wine regions, the lineup featured Pinots from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia—though, unfortunately, there was no room for New South Wales this time.
Each wine received a quick double decant two hours before the event to let it breathe. I firmly believe that every wine needs some time to shine, and that time should be equal across all bottles.
The tasting was split into four brackets of three wines, each paired with a course. Guests received scorecards and notes for all the wines, but no one knew the serving order. It turned into a guessing game, with attendees enthusiastically trying to identify each wine, many absolutely convinced they were correct—though often, they were hilariously wrong. Even the best tasters struggle with blind tastings; it’s a challenge to recall past wines with complete accuracy.
The 100 participants, drawn from all walks of life, included winemakers, reviewers, collectors, and newcomers to the world of wine. Each wine was served blind and scored out of 20 (with half points allowed). As with my Chardonnay series, the results were polarising and varied across the events.
A Clear Winner Emerges
For the first time in my challenges, one wine took the top spot across all three events, cementing its reputation as Australia’s greatest Pinot Noir: Bindi Block 5 2021. It was the clear favourite, earning the highest marks from a staggering 70% of attendees. This is a testament to the care and craftsmanship of Michael Dhillon and his team.
The rest of the lineup was tightly contested, with the next 4–6 wines all receiving similar scores. A standout surprise for many was the Ashton Hills Reserve 2018, a wine of extraordinary complexity and depth that left people wishing for more.
The Results
- Bindi Block 5 2021
- Mount Mary 2021
- By Farr Côte Vineyard 2021
- Bass Phillip 2020
- Ashton Hills Reserve 2018
- Lowestoft La Maison 2021
- Gembrook Hill JKM 2022
- William Downie Bullswamp 2023
- Main Ridge Half Acre 2023
- Savaterre 2019
- Hurley Hommage 2023
- Picardy 2023 (One faulty bottle due to cork failure in a Melbourne event resulted in the wine being excluded from scoring.)
Regional Diversity on Display
The top 5 wines highlight the diverse regions of Australian Pinot Noir, with the Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley, Geelong, Gippsland, and Adelaide Hills all represented. Each region showcased its unique characteristics:
- The Yarra Valley wines displayed delicate floral and elegant profiles, never overpowering but perfectly balanced.
- By Farr Côte Vineyard offered a more herbaceous and powerful expression, hinting at the rewards of cellaring this exceptional wine.
- What can be said about Bindi Block 5 that hasn’t already been said? The balance of fruit, oak, and tannins is breathtaking, with each sip revealing new layers of complexity.
Bass Phillip, a wine with legendary status, was another highlight. Its cloudy appearance and earthy tones are unmistakable, held together by bright acidity. While Phillip Jones is no longer at the helm, his legacy remains monumental.
My Personal Top 5
- Bindi Block 5 2021
- Ashton Hills Reserve 2018
- Mount Mary 2021
- Gembrook Hill JKM 2022
- Bass Phillip 2020
Looking Ahead
The next installment in 2025 promises to be bigger than ever. I’ll pit the top 3 from this year against a fresh crop of contenders, plus a few international superstars. Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Perth, and Brisbane—get ready. Stay tuned.
Wine Animal Out.