2023 Chatto Intrigue Pinot Noir

Jim Chatto's eight-clone blend from the Isle vineyard is in fine fettle with the '23 release. Cherry compote, raspberry pip and dark cherry with hints of dried jasmine and some liminal lavender tones along with a sweep of Medina spice, cocoa nibs, blood orange, turned leaf litter, dried cranberry and citrus rind, struck flint and sea spray. Such a lovely flow and sense of grace to the wine's travel this year with superfine, gypsum dust-like tannins suffusing through the pure berry fruits. A sapid, sour-cherry acid line sets the cadence nicely as the wine trails off. Outstanding stuff. - 96 points, Dave Brookes