The 2023 Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir is a profound expression of one of Australia’s greatest Pinot Noir vineyards. Planted in 1992 on a sheltered, north-facing slope rich in quartz, Block 5 consistently produces wines of greater depth, darker fruit, spice, and structure than the Original Vineyard. The cool 2023 growing season has enhanced the vineyard’s natural precision, resulting in a wine that combines remarkable concentration with purity and restraint.
The nose is immediately captivating with fragrant red roses, wild strawberries, red cherries, and red berries, all wrapped in an unmistakable floral lift. Beneath this expressive perfume lies a more reserved core of dark berries, earth, mineral notes, and subtle spice, hinting at the wine’s considerable depth yet to fully emerge. While highly aromatic, there is a quiet brooding character that speaks of both the cool season and the vineyard’s inherently powerful personality.
On the palate, the wine is fresh, creamy, rich, and expansive, seamlessly balancing its concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity and beautifully integrated tannins. Layers of ripe red and dark berry fruit unfold alongside savoury earth, gentle spice, and a persistent mineral thread that carries through the exceptionally long finish. Despite its generosity, the wine remains poised and precise, with the hallmark finesse that defines Bindi’s finest Pinot Noirs. The texture is remarkably harmonious, delivering both immediate appeal and impressive structural integrity.
Although already beautifully balanced, the 2023 Block 5 is built for the long term. It is expected to improve for at least seven years, with its layered complexity, savoury nuances, and silky texture continuing to evolve well beyond that. This is a classic Block 5 vintage - combining the concentration and quiet power of the site with the elegance and transparency that only a cool season can deliver - making it one of the standout Australian Pinot Noirs of the vintage.
