2017 Jamsheed Illaj Pinot Noir

Region: Upper Goulburn < Victoria < Australia
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Shale & schist over granite, aged 4 months in old barriques; bottled unfined/unfiltered with no added SO2; 11.5% ABV
Winemaker: Gary Mills

We’re featuring island wines this month, and Australia is as big and beautiful as they come, so we searched hard and long for an Aussie wine with the Rock Juice vibe. And to be totally honest, this is the first Australian wine we’ve ever featured – generally that larger-than-life style is not the type of juice that gets us excited. But it seems that the continent is on the verge of a natural wine revolution, with Gary Mills of Jamsheed at the forefront. The Illaj project is designed to be more affordable and is a blend of different Pinot Noir vineyards, released early for prime springtime consumption up here in the Northern Hemisphere. Deliciously fruity and gulp-able, we’d definitely chill this down a touch and pop the cork (I mean, screwcap – we’re in Oz after all!) and order a case for any upcoming festivities. It’s a bright and fresh, with brambly red fruit, citrus and an herby, even slightly meaty note. Glou glou, Aussie style!