2023 Block 3 Pinot Noir

Block 3 is a mix of Pinot Noir clones 114 and 115, which produce fragrant and delicately textured wines. Fermentation was carried out in a single 4-tonne open-top fermenter, with the inclusion of 25% whole bunches. After 12 days on skins, the wines showed intense floral and earthy aromas, with excellent colour and soft, supple tannins. The wine was barrelled down to 2- and 3-year-old French oak and matured for 10 months prior to bottling.

'25% whole-bunch fermentation. Aged for 10 months in French oak. Tasted blind. Vivid fruit personality: like cherry candy with strong violet character in the foreground. Sweeps you off your feet, a real swooner. Utterly compelling and delicious. (RH)'

17.5 /20, Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com

'Immensely complex and alluring, the bouquet shows dark berry, cured meat, bouquet garni, assorted nut, and potpourri aromas. The palate exhibits outstanding concentration and depth, together with plush texture and compact tannins, making it opulent and robust simultaneously with a persistent, seductive finish.'

96 points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

'A shift up in gear and complexity here in Small Wonder’s Block 3 Pinot. It’s a herbal, rich and earthy expression of Pinot made with popular Dijon clones 114 and 115, which traditionally deliver a mix of dark fruit, aromatics and solid tannin structure.  Good concentration of fruit here and it’s only going to unfurl and grow with more time in the bottle. Dark berries, plums, blue fruits, bayleaf, spice, earth and Aussie bush notes gather on a palate that is both seamless and nicely concentrated. Runs smooth with a layer of sinewy, lithe tannins bringing an extra touch of interest. Oak is well integrated. Impressive depth followed by freshness through the finish.'

95 points, Jeni Port, Winepilot