Borachio Pinot Noir 2020

Borachio's 2020 Pinot Noir comes from organically farmed vineyards in the Mount Compass area of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, a site defined by sandy loam over clay soils and a cool, coastal feel that the region's winemakers consider distinct from neighbouring McLaren Vale. The fruit was picked during a heatwave — three consecutive days over 40°C — which makes the wine's brightness and lifted acidity all the more remarkable.

Winemaking is low-intervention from start to finish: whole bunches were foot-stomped and macerated for approximately four days, with a portion of Pash Rash (Pinot Noir, Savagnin, Chardonnay) juice blended in to regulate the fermentation. The wine was bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with zero added sulfites. ABV clocks in at 10.2%.

In the glass this is a light, translucent red with vivid acidity and minimal tannin. The palate is bright and red-fruited — wild strawberry, a hint of candied apple skin, and a fine gripping quality right at the back of the palate. It drinks closer to a serious chilled red than a conventional Pinot Noir, and rewards a brief chill before serving.