BAY OF FIRES PINOT NOIR 2008

 - Derwent River Valley/Coal River Valley/East Coast Tasmania, TAS

 - $33-$43

 - Screwcap

 - 13.5%alc

Following their sensational 2008 release, I'm now a complete convert to Bay of Fires Pinot Noir. Thanks to the benefits of Tasmania's cool climate, multiple vineyard resources and the winemaking talents of Fran Austin, I hold every belief that this already brilliant (and very affordable) wine's best days are yet to come.

Vibrant and youthful, this cleanly scented pinot noir reveals notes of cinnamon stick and white pepper sitting harmoniously alongside a melange of evenly fruited cherry, raspberry, cassis and plum aromas, with just a hint of herbal undergrowth evident. The smooth, silky and sensual palate enters with true pinot seduction, before announcing lively cherry, raspberry and cedar/vanilla oak flavours, which merge seamlessly into a more savoury, tight, drying finish marked by penetrative length of fruit, dusty pinot tannins and clever spice notes. Quite frankly its silken texture, youthful flavour, structure and fine length are balanced on a knife's edge; resulting in a most exceptional young Tasmanian pinot noir at this price. 

ü+ This is a noticeable step up in every category from the delicious 2007 wine (94pts). It's a superlative young Tasmanian pinot noir which should improve immensely over the next 3-5 years. Stimulating stuff; buy some while you can. Drink to 2015.

95 points

www.bayoffireswines.com.au