This 2021 vintage Merricks Pinot Noir, like most other years, was the last to ripen and the last to be picked. The whole bunch portion was a little higher than usual this year (60%), adding a savoury edge and a tannin complexity that Flanders recognised the fruit could handle given the quality and concentration. The winemaking was, in true Garagiste form, pretty hands off - tural fermentation, gentle extraction and 10 months in 25% new oak. The oak as always taking a backseat and letting the fruit shine.