The Little Penguin Pinot Noir
When you think of wine from Australia you probably think of Shiraz first, as well you should. Shiraz is Australia’s most planted variety, and it ranks second to France in shiraz/syrah in vines under cultivation. But I’d be willing to bet that when Australian wine gets mentioned, the last varietal that you think of is pinot noir. I mean, when was the last time you had a pinot noir from Australia?
The challenge of growing pinot outside of Burgundy has been well published, and Australia is no exception. The southern portions of the country are very well suited to hardier varieties, such as cabernet sauvignon and the aforementioned shiraz, that aren’t as picky about climatic conditions as pinot is. But Aussie wine-makers are becoming a little more adventurous with this variety, particularly in the cooler, southern portions of Victoria, like Yarra Valley and Mornington Penninsula.
But The Little Penguin is not sourcing their pinot grapes from these regions. You have to head a little west from Victoria to the state of South Australia to locate their plantings. The real estate there may not be as prestigious as in southern Victoria, but the conditions are similar, and I’m sure the lower rent helps The Little Penguin keep such an attractive price. We’ve reviewed their 2006 offering, and while we weren’t that enamored with the 2006, the 2010 vintage came recommended by one of the trusted wine shops I frequent.
The nose of this wine is actually quite pleasant, if a bit jammy for a pinot. It’s a far cry from the 2006, and that’s a great start. The nose offers rich ripe strawberry and rhubarb, with hints of vanilla and allspice. While I wouldn’t exactly say that The Little Penguin hits the mark in varietal character, it is certainly an enjoyable nose. On the palate the wine offers light, yet smooth strawberry fruit. Through the mid-palate the wine maintains it’s soft fruit and transitions abruptly to rich acidity, bordering on actually being slightly sour in the finish. But it doesn’t upset the balance or the experience.
Overall, I enjoyed this simpler expression of pinot noir, even if it isn’t the most complex of wines. But to be fair, at this price point, you would be hard pressed to find a better value in pinot, in my opinion. So give this pinot-on-a-budget example a try.
A Salute!
Wine: The Little Penguin
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 12%
Rating: 85
Price: $5.99
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