2008 Trumpours Mill Estate Bottled Pinot Noir: The nose belies the price point on this value Pinot Noir. Lots of earthiness and a touch of barnyard funk cover notes of cassis, strawberry and dark cherries. On the palate, ripe cherries & dark fruit and an unexpected medium-bodied mouthfeel. Sweet spice and vanilla from the oak round out the acidity but it remains crisp and refreshing with a tart cherry finish and a slight mineral chalkiness. Drink with a mushroom lasagna or anything duck-based. Fantastic value impressed me.

Quite French in style. Strawberries and cranberries on the nose with some vegetal (fresh dill) aromas. An earthy, leafy flavoured Pinot. Long finish. Not particularly ripe but a good old world style for the price.

Drink now.

The vintage may have been difficult, but so was the wine to drink. I tasted notes of gasoline, and length in this case is no virtue. Best left on the shelf.