97pts Decanter

The 2023 vintage of Pomarium Pinot Noir is the earthiest and most umami-driven wine in the lineup. Named for the orchard that once stood on this site, it comes primarily from the West Block of the estate. Aromas of tart wild berries mingle with dried herbs and dried flowers, forest floor, and a savoury mushroom note. The palate is deep and structured yet elegant, with flavours of dark cherry, subtle spice, and a long, mineral-laced finish. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity will drive this wine to excellent places through the years. It's a truly delicious wine.

95pts Wine Advocate

The 2023 Estate Pinot Noir Pomarium opens slowly on the nose to reveal pure wafts of raspberry, blueberry and plum, plus nuances of blood orange, bitters and allspice. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and expressive with spicy, perfumed flavors. It’s structured by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity and has a very long, layered finish.

93pts Wine Spectator

Plum and cherry preserve notes are fresh and focused as they race along, picking up anise and iris accents through the mineral-inflected finish, which shows admirable length.

Winemaker Notes

The great wines I have drunk in my life have density and depth of flavor—power—but remain finesse-driven and balanced and not over-burdened with extract from over-ripeness. This is the 2023 Pomarium in spades. I encourage you to buy enough Pomarium to taste over a stretch of time.

I have professed my growing affection for the Pomarium Pinot Noir in previous newsletters and how this has become such a remarkable, compelling wine. In a vintage like 2023, the dark blackberry and plum notes are perfectly cradled by slate and forest floor notes. There is great tension in the wine with a notable depth of flavor. I use the word density sometimes to distinguish between intensity as opposed to fruit or alcohol weight. The great wines I have drunk in my life have density and depth of flavor—power—but remain finesse-driven and balanced and not over-burdened with extract from over-ripeness. This is the 2023 Pomarium in spades. I encourage you to buy enough Pomarium to taste over a stretch of time. If opening a few bottles in the next year or so, perhaps decant for a little while to allow the wine to fatten and emerge.