I must open by saying we make absolutely no excuses for offering a fifth vintage in a row of Curly Flat’s consistently outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Many of you will already know the story here. From the Macedon Ranges in Victoria with vineyards at altitudes between 400 and 700 metres, the wines are the essence of cool climate Australia. Viticulture is biodynamic, which, as we will have said before in relation to this and other wines, does not in itself equate in a binary way to high quality but does show the intent of an estate to focus on the vineyard, its long-term health and on producing wines that will always show energy and vibrancy.
Importantly, the Curly Flat wines are not trying to be Burgundy. They are instead striving to be the very finest expression of their own particular origin. Both the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir are at ease with themselves; they are possessed of a naturalness of expression, and that sense of energy which allows for their fruit purity and poise to shine through. There is nothing forced; the Curly Flat wines are all about harmony and restraint.
Many of you will have no doubt tried one or more vintages of either or both wines. If so, you will surely find it difficult to disagree. You may also have seen that, while the harmony defines both of the wines, subtle complexity and refinement build with even only a few years in bottle.
As for the vintage itself, 2016 was marked by a warm October, the warmest December in 12 years, and a dry February – this therefore led to early, even budburst, good fruit set, a rain-free lead up to harvest and consequently the earliest vintage ever. But for all this data, what matters is the quality and value that we taste in the glass. On this count, the latest set of Curly Flat releases are another resounding success and we are happy to encourage you to buy these wines for current and future enjoyment. The quality remains extremely high, and for all of these five years, we have never found another expression of either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from Australia that comes close, try as we might.
2016 Chardonnay, Curly Flat
£350 per 12 bottle case in bond
There is lifted lime citrus nature to the nose, with pure, fresh nectarine notes emerging with time in the glass together with hazelnut, spicy oak notes and a stony mineral thread. The palate shows the trademark freshness of the high-altitude origin, a trait that gives vibrancy and length to the fruit and balances the subtly creamy texture that with time becomes more linear and chiselled. Once again it is the seamless palate and bright finish that set this chardonnay apart. (ROM) Drink 2020-2026
2016 Pinot Noir, Curly Flat
£380 per 12 bottle case in bond
A scented red and blue fruit nose is underscored by a touch of spice. The palate opens with ripe, darker berry fruit but is notable for the, at once, flowing and silky texture; while mouth-filling there is always a sense of elegance. The 2016 Pinot Noir sees a lift in intensity and purity of expression, marking this as possibly the finest expression to date. While youthful and fruit-laden currently, there is a depth as well as a sense of direction that suggest this vintage should take on fascinating nuance with up to a decade in bottle. (ROM) Drink 2021-2030
Do let us know of your interest.
Take care
Richard