Helen's Hill Estate Long Walk Pinot Noir / 2024 / 750mL

The Helen's Hill Estate Long Walk Pinot Noir 2024 is a medium-bodied Yarra Valley pinot noir built on red fruit and savoury spice rather than density or power. It is fragrant and approachable, with enough line and grip to hold its shape at the table.

Red cherry and cranberry lead the aroma, with rhubarb, dried thyme and a twist of black pepper sitting behind. There is a faint forest-floor edge that gives the fruit somewhere to go.

The palate is bright and lifted, the acidity fine-boned and the tannins powdery rather than firm. Fruit sits mid-weight through the middle before the finish turns dry and gently savoury, more spice and stem than sweetness.

Pour it with duck breast, mushroom risotto, roast pork with fennel, or a plate of charcuterie and washed-rind cheese. Slightly cool, around 15 degrees, brings the perfume forward and keeps the tannins supple.

Drinking well from now, the Long Walk Pinot Noir 2024 should reward cellaring through to around 2031, with the primary red fruit slowly giving way to earthier, more savoury characters.