97 points - "A barrel selection from the best section of Mac Forbes' 1.36ha block of MV6 clone, planted 1995. Matured in one older barrique and 300 bottles made. A deep-ish bright garnet. This is in a good place with its aromas of dark plum, floral notes, sous bois and spice. More youthful on the palate than the nose suggests, there's good density to go with the still firm yet polished tannins. Can be approached now, with food, but still has plenty to offer for the future." - Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

96+ points - "The label for 2019 is black and has white ‘Ferguson’ on it and not Woori Yallock as perhaps it was in the past and displayed here. It’s Block 3, released only when the wine is ready, and not every year either. One barrel made, it’s a little ‘vein’ of vines in the middle of vineyard doing their different charming thang. And it’s pretty special.

Dark, plummy, meaty with a hint of liquorice and fresh coffee beans, again, quite meaty, bloody, there’s a black tea leaf on top and black fruit juice note under. Dark spice and bitter black fruit skins provide chewiness. Not too dissimilar to other Pinots, fine, smooth stony tannins lead the long way. Black pepper finish, firm and strong. Assertive. Ferrous finale. Give it time to unfurl. It’s a keeper." - Kasia Sobiesiak (The Wine Front)

2019 FERGUSON ‘BLOCK 3’ PINOT NOIR

At 1.36ha, the Ferguson vineyard in Woori Yallock has been leased by Mac Forbes Wines since 2012. The south facing aspect delivers relief to the vines from hot northerly winds.
This unique vineyard, planted in 1995, produces stunning fruit in both hot and cooler years and captures much of what we are seeking in terms of suitability of variety to
site.

TASTING NOTES

Powerful, heady aromas of dark cherry, blood plum and baking spice pull you into the glass. The intensity continues on the palate with dark, brooding forest fruits framed by a herbaceous amaro edge. Grapefruit marmalade and cherry pulp add flesh to the mid palate, carried effortlessly by a beady acid line and an elegant silty tannin. The structure is tactile but seamless, neatly interwoven with fruit across the palate, but firm and compact on an almost endless back palate. While still incredibly youthful, this wine already showcases the unparalleled focus and concentration we see from our favourite block on the Ferguson vineyard in the very best years. We recommend decanting this wine prior to serving between 14-16Cº.

VINTAGE

The 2019 growing season was warm and dry. Below average rainfall and warmer conditions placed huge demands on the plants. Thankfully, in early February the
vines welcomed two weeks of cool days and nights returning freshness and vigour. Overall small bunches and small berries characterised the season with above average
structure and fruit weight.

WINE ANALYSIS

Alc/Vol: 11.5%
Acidity: 6.1g/l
pH: 3.57

VINEYARD

Rootstock: Own Roots Clone: MV6
Planted: 1995 Density: 2.5m x 1.5m
Aspect: South West Elevation: 120m
Soils: Grey loamy clay over siltstone
WINEMAKING Yeast: Wild Bottles: 558
Fining: None Filtration: None
Fermentation: 14 days open fermenter, 100% whole berry
Maturation: 11 months in small oak, 4 years in bottle prior to release