Chandon Sparkling Pinot Shiraz NV

This wine is predominately from Pinot Noir (65%) with a small amount of Shiraz, rather than the traditional 100% Shiraz Sparkling Reds. Very ripe Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley is used as the backbone of the wine and support the mid palate with plump Shiraz from McLaren Vale and Northern Central Victoria. The wine is aged in old oak and is blended to yield strong dark cherry and cinnamon spice flavours.

Light to medium red-purple; the moderately intense bouquet is clean and relatively straightforward, but with some spicy fruit; the palate does the work, with a good balance of fruit flavours ranging through strawberry, spicy plum and cherry, yet avoiding clumsiness. Well balanced dosage. 93 out of 100 James Halliday