William Downie 'Cathedral' - Pinot Noir

Available between $25-$30

An Ode to Victorian Viticulture and one of the most drinkable Pinot's on the market.

When introducing people to red wine, grabbing a pinot noir is usually the most common recommendation.

 I persoanlly tend to disagree because I think that the higher acid ends up being a deterrent rather than a compliment. However, 'Cathedral' feels balanced, slightly more rounded and very approachable. It's bright rather than plainly sour, fresh berries rather than barely ripe and doesn't trade out any of the truly beautiful aspects of the grape. It's light and clean, pairs easily with most foods - the acidity is just right.

It's a bright garnet in the glass, plums, berries on the pallet and little hint of herb on the nose for complexity.

William Downie is a Victorian viticulturist, known for his minimal intervention wines and great understanding his vines. 'Cathedral' is an ode to the terroir of southern victoria, grapes heralding from King Valley (30%) and the Mornington Peninsular (70%). It takes into account all of the most important aspects of great growing conditions; soil, sun, climate, and of course, culture. This bottle, down to the artwork, feels identifiably Australian and deeply Victorian.

Understated yet sophisticated, casual yet considered, creative yet classic.

This is an extremely easy bottle to drink and requires absolutely no wine knowledge to enjoy. But, if you want to get nerdy about it, William Downie has an absolutely fabulous career worth following. His more naturalistic approach focuses on the viticulture rather than the wine making itself. He considers wine making to be only a small part of his job. Rather than the wine made with love, the vines are grown with it and that focus shines through with all of William Downie's drops.

Certainly a favourite in the Pinot Noir category.

Back of the bottle - all original images.