Wines McLaren Vale Lisa McGuigan - Pinot Noir - 2022

Lisa McGuigan's 2022 Pinot Noir Cuvée hails from McLaren Vale, a renowned region in South Australia celebrated for its expressive and diverse red wines. This particular bottling, while likely to be based primarily on Pinot Noir as suggested by its designation, is best described by its stylistic elements: expect an elegantly structured wine with moderate tannins, fresh acidity, and a vibrant fruit profile. The 2022 vintage in South Australia was generally praised for balanced ripening conditions, leading to wines with both clarity and depth of flavour. The winemaking approach for Pinot Noir in these parts tends to favour gentle extraction to preserve the grape’s delicate aromatics, often showcasing red cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle savoury notes.

McLaren Vale itself enjoys a Mediterranean climate, distinguished by warm sunny days and cooling sea breezes from the adjacent Gulf St Vincent. The diverse soils—ranging from ancient sandstones to limestone and clay—contribute layers of complexity to the wines. McLaren Vale’s history as a wine region stretches back to the 19th century, and it has gained particular acclaim for red varietals thanks to this unique climate-soil combination, which brings both ripeness and freshness to the fore.

Pairing this Pinot Noir Cuvée opens up a delightful array of options. Its medium body and red-fruited purity make it a charming companion to roast duck, grilled salmon, or game birds, highlighting the wine's subtle earthiness. For a more regional touch, try it alongside a herb-crusted lamb rack or barbecued kangaroo, dishes that match well with both the wine’s fruitiness and savoury undertones. Mushroom risotto or a beetroot and goat’s cheese tart would also complement its structure and vivacity for vegetarian fare.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, ideally between 14 and 16°C. Decanting for 20-30 minutes can help open up the aromas, allowing the nuances of this McLaren Vale Pinot Noir to be fully appreciated.