Hurley 'Garamond' Pinot Noir 2024

Garamond comprises 1.2 ha of easterly aspect.  It gets the gently warming morning sun.  It exudes peace, calm and fecundity.  It is the good child.  It sets well, but does not overcrop.  It is balanced in every way.  After shoot thinning, we do very little in Garamond, except to genuflect. Winery Note

It’s touch and go as to whether there’s too much oak here but give it time and such concerns will dissipate. There’s no question though that the fruit itself and the length of the finish are in excellent shape. Cedar, red and black cherry, swings of earth and undergrowth and an infusion of woodsmoke. There’s power and there’s confidence to this wine; it has cellar-worthiness written all over it. In time it will be a beauty. 95 pts, Campbell Mattinson

Garamond is East facing and the last to be picked each year. The coolest site given its exposure, protected from the prevailing winds from the SW and West coming across the valley behind the estate. Kevin is passionate about picking parcel by parcel across this vineyard despite it being only 1.2 hectares. All planted with MV6 clone. The name honours the artisanal ethic of Renaissance typographer Claude Garamond, who designed the font Hurley use on all their labels. Garamond was 26 years old in 2024, and it shows.

"Garamond exudes effortless style. It ripens evenly and is always harvested last. It is classical. In this wine, the fragrance of Hurley Vineyard is the perfume of the boudoir. It is a step up in complexity and intensity. In the palate, there is usually an array of soft, red fruits, plus meat, mushrooms and cake spice. It is succulent, creamy and sweet, but balanced by lively acidity. The wine usually tastes of red minerals and has fine, silky tannins. There is often toffee. The palate is typically tight and firm in its youth, opening up as time goes on. Garamond is complete, ends fresh and lives long. To 2045."

Kevin Bell, Winemaker & Owner