Product Description
The Sailor Seeks Horse Small Wonder Pinot Noir 2023 is a wine that embodies the beauty and complexity of Tasmania’s cool-climate growing conditions. A challenging spring with poor flowering led to significantly reduced yields, but the cooler season that followed allowed the remaining fruit to develop with restraint and elegance. Despite the lower yields, the 2023 vintage has produced wines with a remarkable intensity, delivering an outstanding expression of Tasmania’s terroir. The Pommard clone of Pinot Noir shines in this wine, bringing classic red-fruited, pepper-spiced aromas and a plush, sweet-fruited palate that is beautifully balanced by a touch of bitterness. The wine’s complexity is further enhanced by its incredible elegance and subtlety, making it a perfect representation of what is achievable in Tasmania’s unique climate.
The Sailor Seeks Horse Small Wonder Pinot Noir 2023 reflects the winery’s journey from humble beginnings to crafting one of Tasmania’s finest expressions of Pinot Noir. After years of experience across various renowned wine regions, including the Languedoc, Margaret River, Oregon, and New Zealand, the couple behind Sailor Seeks Horse decided to plant their own vineyard in Tasmania’s Huon Valley. The result of their dedication and love for the land is a wine that is rich in character, showcasing the benefits of their vineyard’s northeast-facing slope and the selection of six different Pinot Noir clones. Small Wonder is a perfect testament to the vineyard’s potential and the winemakers' vision of producing the finest Pinot Noir in Australia.
The Sailor Seeks Horse Small Wonder Pinot Noir 2023 is an exceptional wine that showcases the best of Tasmania’s cool-climate terroir. With its vibrant fruit, subtle spice, and complex layers of flavour, it is a wine that reflects both the craftsmanship of the winemaker and the unique characteristics of the land. The wine’s structure and balance suggest it will continue to develop beautifully in the cellar, making it a perfect choice for collectors and Pinot Noir enthusiasts alike.
Maker
Sailor Seeks Horse is a winery founded on passion, adventure, and a desire to create something exceptional. Established by two wine enthusiasts, Gilli and Paul, after years of gaining hands-on experience in various wine regions around the world, the winery is a true reflection of their commitment to quality and innovation. From their start in the Languedoc, France, to studies in winemaking and viticulture in Margaret River, Australia, the duo worked tirelessly to gain a deep understanding of what it takes to produce great wine. Their journey led them to Tasmania, where they found their perfect site in the Huon Valley, and after rehabilitating an abandoned vineyard, they embarked on producing wines that would showcase the unique climate and microclimates of the region. Today, Sailor Seeks Horse is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Australia, with a focus on sustainability and attention to detail in both vineyard and winemaking practices.
Philosophy
The philosophy of Sailor Seeks Horse is rooted in a love for both the challenge and the reward of winemaking. The founders’ journey was driven by their desire to create exceptional wines from the best sites, with a particular focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery's approach combines technical expertise with a hands-on, sustainable approach to viticulture. By working closely with nature, Sailor Seeks Horse seeks to produce wines that express the unique characteristics of the land while ensuring the long-term health of the vineyard. The philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking, combined with the belief that great wines are made in the vineyard, allows the true potential of the grapes to shine through. The winery's commitment to quality is unwavering, and this philosophy is reflected in every bottle produced.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Red Fruits and Spices
The nose is immediately enticing, with a bouquet of red fruits such as ripe raspberry and cherry, complemented by a delicate peppery spice. There’s a subtle earthy undertone, with hints of wild herbs and dried flowers that add complexity to the wine. A touch of smokiness from the oak enhances the aromatic profile, offering a glimpse of the wine’s depth and structure.
Palate
Rich, Plush and Elegant
On the palate, the wine is full of vibrant red berry fruit flavours, interwoven with layers of spice, herbs, and subtle oak. The texture is plush and velvety, with fine tannins that provide structure without overpowering the fruit. A touch of bitterness on the finish adds an extra dimension, balancing the fruit’s sweetness and enhancing the wine’s complexity.
Finish
Long, Balanced and Persistent
The finish is long and persistent, with the wine’s acidity lifting the fruit and spice notes. The tannins remain firm, providing a balanced and structured finish that encourages you to take another sip. The wine’s elegance and complexity suggest that it will continue to evolve beautifully over the next few years.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
