96 points - "Such a pretty-smelling wine with lifted aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and red cherry fruits sheathed in fine spice and hints of curing meats, raspberry clafoutis, minerals, wildflowers, dried citrus rind, thyme and crushed rock. Wonderfully composed on the palate, the fruit dancing in step with the powdered-schisty tannins and mineral-rich acid line, cutting a graceful line and finishing long, detailed and harmonious. A cracker." - Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points - "Dense and brooding nose of black fruit, cocoa and smoky oak, quite closed and muted. Drying woody tannins grip the palate from the outset, burying the dark fruit and crunchy bay leaf flavours under a layer of dense structure. Violet, black fig, sticky date and savoury olive flavours eventually overcome the structure on the concentrated finish, suggesting that everything will come together in time, albeit on the dark and serious side of the spectrum. Good potential here." - Stephen Wong (The Real Review)

94 points - "Savory-edged aromas of wild raspberries, blackberry bush, pencil shavings, charcuterie and wet river stones. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and a generous, creamy texture. Highly strung. Very well-made with a touch of polish and an Old World charm. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - James Suckling (James Suckling)

93 points - "Medium-full depth of colour with plenty of purple in the tint; the bouquet opens with meaty charcuterie from a touch of reduction; there is ample dark cherry underneath and the palate is bold and firm, intense and tightly structured, promising to unfold more charm and detail as it ages. Cellaring recommended, but if broaching now, give it a solid decant. Serious pinot of structure and potential." - Huon Hooke (The Real Review)

93 points - "The 2022 Breakneck Reserve Pinot Noir has more power and density than the estate Pinot offering—which, to be clear, I thoroughly enjoyed —and here we have a cavalcade of cherries, blood plum, cocoa, raspberry seed, pink peppercorns and a suggestion of sumac. Everything feels composed and controlled, from the firm tannin structure to the long finish. It manages all of this within an elegant frame. This is a smart one and is recommended. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." - Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)

Growing Season
A mild winter and spring provided ideal conditions for budburst and flowering through December. With no significant wind or frost events, vine health and growth were excellent, producing the strongest canopies seen in years. The season initially appeared warmer than average, suggesting an early harvest; however, a timely rainfall in early February brought conditions back in line with historical norms. During harvest, the weather remained extremely settled, offering an ideal picking window to bring in clean fruit of exceptional quality across the estate.

Vineyard
Over years of growing on our estate, we’ve been consistently impressed with the evolution of our Block 7C and Block 7 Pinot Noir vines. These vines thrive in Lochar sandy loam soils, supported by subsurface mid-row irrigation and cover crops. This is the seventh release of a barrel selection from this site, certified organic by BioGro.

Winemaking
Clean, low-yielding Pinot Noir fruit was hand-harvested and fermented in small open-top fermenters. Whole-bunch fermentation comprised approximately 25% of the blend, with time on skins ranging between 20 and 32 days. The wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barriques (30% new), undergoing natural spring malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes
Showcasing the classic intensity of Block 7C and Block 7 fruit, this Pinot Noir is underpinned by a complex savoury streak. Aromas of cherry and red fruit intertwine with spice, nutmeg, and peppercorn. The palate is silky and mouth-filling, with great depth, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish.